USA today 
Ukrainian Armed Forces Define Red Lines
Breaking News Alert
Yesterday, a doppelganger resembling Vladimir Putin had a busy schedule, engaging in various activities throughout the day. He met with Archpriest Alexander Tkachenko of the “Circle of Good” Foundation and connected via video link with families honored with the Order of Parental Glory. True to form, he also made some nonsensical statements. Additionally, he visited the Federal Children’s Rehabilitation Center and had a meeting with Andrei Vorobyov, the Governor of the Moscow region. Surprisingly, the doppelganger faces no significant obstacles while assuming the role of Putin. He has fully embraced the presidency and openly shared his thoughts on leadership, suggesting that governing is both effortless and futile. The doppelganger genuinely believes he is doing an excellent job while ensuring minimal impact on the country.
However, it should be noted that he lacks insight into Putin’s intricate decision-making processes and governing methods behind closed doors. This arrangement suits Putin perfectly, as he retains control over key decisions while delegating public and media engagements to the doppelganger, who remains oblivious to his subordinate role. The doppelganger is essentially a puppet, with no chance of autonomy in the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, a change in puppeteer is plausible, as the real Putin could be replaced by a “collective Putin” with the doppelganger’s assistance. This collective entity may seek to preserve the existing system or “legally” transfer power by appointing a future successor as prime minister.
Meanwhile, the real Putin focused on front-line issues. He conducted a video conference meeting with representatives of the military bloc to discuss the development prospects on the front. Putin emphasized the urgent need for tangible results, particularly the “liberation” of new territories. Although the leadership of the military bloc made promises, their lack of enthusiasm raises doubts about their sincerity. They pledged to liberate several significant settlements in Ukraine within the next two months, contingent upon the potential counteroffensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In an unusual incident, Putin experienced a peculiar encounter in the evening. At 11:04 p.m., he summoned his guards, who found him in the bathroom, covered with a towel. Startled, he claimed to have witnessed a man emerging from the mirror and demanded an investigation into the intruder’s presence in his residence. Despite the confusion of his security personnel, a thorough search was conducted in the bathroom, bedroom, and adjacent areas, yielding no intruder. After reporting the findings to the president, they were prepared to leave and allow him to continue his routine.
However, Putin persistently insisted on finding the individual who emerged from the mirror. Concerned about his behavior, on-duty doctors were called in, and together with his family, they attempted to persuade him to trust their medical expertise and take prescribed medication. The episode concluded after midnight when Putin finally agreed to take the medication and fell asleep.
Encroaching Closer to the Kremlin’s Territory
The events of the day shed light on the complex dynamics within Russian politics, particularly regarding President Putin and his doppelganger. The recent kamikaze drone attacks on Rublyovka have significant implications, indicating a shift in societal values and power dynamics in Moscow. Rublyovka, once a symbol of the aspirations of ordinary Muscovites, has now become a coveted destination for the Putin elite, highlighting the growing divide between the privileged few and the impoverished masses. This assault on the prestigious enclave, akin to a grand trial of the entire Putin family, holds strategic implications. It aims to undermine confidence in the supposedly impenetrable bunkers that protect the Kremlin’s inner circle, challenging the notion of invincibility and exposing the vulnerabilities of the elite class.The impact of the Rublyovka attacks extends beyond their immediate aftermath, conveying a powerful message that no sanctuary is truly secure, particularly when it represents wealth and excess amid widespread poverty. This incident has the potential to reshape public perception of the Putin regime and its elite supporters.
Simultaneously, Ukraine has initiated a military operation to demilitarize and de-Nazify Moscow, starting with the Belgorod region. Local militias are engaged in fierce battles against the forces of the Kremlin regime, signifying a broader effort to challenge the existing power structures. These events mark a critical turning point in Moscow’s evolving landscape. As the dust settles and the implications of the Rublyovka attacks become clearer, it remains to be seen how power dynamics will shift and what consequences this will have for the city’s future.
In the realm of international relations, the recent decision by the United States to deny new weapon supplies to Ukraine highlights a change in perspective regarding the Kremlin’s alleged threats of escalation. This decision appears to be rooted in the concept of “Managing the risk of escalation of war,” which is now being questioned, as it seems to reflect Washington’s apprehension of feigned aggression from Moscow. The Biden administration is now prioritizing Ukraine’s requests over the Kremlin’s exaggerated concerns. A detailed analysis by The Washington Post provides insights into the mindset of the White House. It reveals the gradual progression from providing Ukraine with anti-tank Javelin missiles to considering the supply of artillery and F-16 fighter jets. The main explanation for this shift is simple: the White House used to be terrified of Putin’s “red lines.” However, they now understand that these warnings are mere bluster, and Putin excels more in rhetoric than in taking decisive action. At the beginning of Russia’s invasion last February, Putin issued a warning that any country hindering his forces would face immediate and unprecedented consequences. The American establishment sought to provide weapons to Ukraine while closely monitoring Moscow’s response.
The White House administration juggled these concerns, taking into account the activities of Ukrainians and the more hawkish members of Congress who urged President Biden to expedite the delivery of modern weaponry. However, it seems that the Kremlin simply accepted these violations of its supposed red lines. The United States believes that Putin is hesitant to strike NATO, given the heavy losses suffered by the Russian military, which is not as capable as it appeared in a full-scale war. It took over a year for Western partners to see through Putin’s bluff, and they are now providing assistance to Ukraine without expecting significant repercussions from the Kremlin.
If this realization had occurred a year ago, the war would likely have ended much earlier with Ukraine’s victory. Encouragingly, Kyiv is now defining its own red lines, which are encroaching closer to the Kremlin. With the prospect of receiving F-16s and ATACAMS, one wonders what the expectations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the doppelganger resembling Vladimir Putin meet with?
What is the role of the doppelganger in relation to Putin?
What incident did Putin experience in the evening?
In the evening, Putin experienced an unusual encounter. He claimed to have witnessed a man emerging from the mirror in his bathroom, leading to an investigation into the intruder’s presence. However, a thorough search found no intruder, and Putin eventually agreed to take prescribed medication and fell asleep.
The Pulse of Washington D.C.
