"Putin's Patient Strategy: Waiting for Western Support for Kyiv to Wither in Third Year of Ukraine War"

As the Ukraine war enters its third year, Russian President Vladimir Putin is waiting for Western support for Ukraine to wither while maintaining steady military pressure along the front line. Despite the conflict taking a toll on Russia's resources and fueling social tensions, Putin aims to negotiate an end to the fighting while holding onto gains. Recent developments, including Russian forces capturing the eastern stronghold of Avdiivka, have fed Kremlin's optimism, while Ukraine has launched audacious attacks on Russian assets. The conflict has also revealed cracks in Russia's political system, with signs of opposition and anti-war sentiments emerging.