Putin's Controversial Visit to Ukraine Amid War

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited commanders in two regions of Ukraine to show support for Russian troops and counter accusations of isolation. The visit followed a leak of Pentagon documents suggesting infighting within the ranks of Russia's military. Corruption, poor training, and poorly maintained equipment have hindered Russian progress in the "grinding war of attrition" in Ukraine. Putin's visit was also intended to show he is not isolated from the war effort and to counter Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's frequent visits to troops. Putin's clampdown on critics and journalists is part of the war effort and a message to the outside world and Russians not to question the war.