Ukrainian gains on the battlefield have even pro-Kremlin voices in Russia questioning the war in Ukraine.
In light of recent developments and the retaking of Russian-occupied territory, there have been several stories of pro-Putin analysts appearing on state-run TV networks and questioning the rationality of extending the battle in Ukraine.
Although Putin's press secretary stated on Monday that what Russia refers to as the "special military operation" will continue, Russia has remained mum over the withdrawal of Russian forces from the whole Kharkiv region above Donbas.
The Teneo consultancy group stated in a report Monday night that "military losses and the humiliation of Russian troops" also pose threats to President Vladimir Putin Presidency, as public criticism of the conduct of the so-called special military operation is increasing from multiple perspectives, according to CNBC.
"As a result, Putin faces growing pressure to respond to increasingly unfavorable dynamics on the frontline, which might include either escalatory moves or calls to start ceasefire talks," it added.
Putin Urged To Use Extreme Measures in Ukraine
Vladimir Putin faces mounting pressure to use force, say experts.
Influential Russian nationalists and pro-war voices are advocating for more extreme measures, including full-mobilization and intensified attacks against the infrastructure of the Ukrainian civilian population. Per CNN, some have even suggested using tactical nuclear weapons.
Russian pro-war experts and commentators generally exhibit an open feeling of terror, according to Russian political analyst Anton Barbashin.
Russia observers say it is doubtful that Putin will order a widespread mobilization because he understands that doing so would be unpopular and would be interpreted as an acknowledgment that the "special military operation" is a war. The Kremlin has so far rejected the concept.
Putin issued an order last month to add 137,000 service members to the military, bringing the total to 1.15 million. But analysts predict Russia will find it harder and harder to attract recruits.
Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Sunday that certain regional administrations have been criticized for recruiting contract personnel and volunteers toRussia Ukraine war.
Ukraine's recent victories and capacity to keep them are unknown.
However, analysts claim that if the Ukrainian counteroffensive proceeds at the same tempo, Putin could find it harder to portray himself as a competent tactician.
Kremlin Keeps Calm
An authoritarian leader's loss of invincibility might generate complications. And Vladimir Putin is familiar with Russia's history wherein Russian leaders who engaged in wars but lost them have not ended well.
The first Russian Revolution of 1905 resulted from Russia's loss to Japan.
The 1917 Revolution and the fall of the Tsar were triggered by military setbacks in World War One.
President Vladimir Putin, though, makes it clear that he doesn't want to lose.
BBC reported that the Kremlin shows no alarm yet. State TV in Russia is more upbeat, calling recent Russian rocket assaults on Ukraine's power infrastructure a "turning point in the special operation."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media that Russia's "special military operation continues and will continue until all the tasks that were initially set have been fulfilled."
Media outlets in Russia report that Ukraine's military advancements were attributed to Western assistance for the country. According to Russian state television, Kyiv began a counteroffensive with NATO's support.