Power Struggle Erupts in Ukraine as Military Weakens and Putin Allies Make Moves

Russia's President Vladimir Putin's political party, United Russia, claimed victory in elections held in four Ukrainian territories that were illegally annexed by Russia. However, the legitimacy of the elections has been widely disputed, with Kyiv and its Western allies denouncing them as a sham. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's forces continue to make gains in the annexed territories, potentially rendering the election results futile. The elections also revealed signs of discontent within Putin's base, as hard-line pro-Russian voices expressed criticism and opposition to Putin's party.