"Ukraine's Strikes Undermine Putin's Reassurance Efforts"

Ukrainian missile and drone attacks on Russian critical infrastructure and border regions are undermining President Putin's attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy and control ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The attacks have heightened the visibility of the war on Russian soil, leading to increased public support for ending the conflict and challenging the Kremlin's political control. The recent strike on Belgorod, which resulted in civilian casualties and widespread damage, has further escalated tensions, prompting calls for a more aggressive response from Russian nationalists. The attacks have also raised concerns about Russia's ability to quickly repair damaged infrastructure and defend against future strikes.