The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, fears that a total failure of the invasion of Ukraine could result in his own death, according to The Economist magazine. The reference to the expression "The Tsar is naked" suggests that Putin is aware that the narrative of a Russian victory in the war may be crumbling, just like in the children's story where no one dares to tell the emperor he is naked.
The military situation on the ground appears to justify the Kremlin's fears. Putin is expected to escalate the war and send more men to the front line, in an attempt to ensure the capture of the Donbass region, which has become Russia's main strategic objective.
The pressure on Putin comes at a time when Russian forces face significant difficulties on the ground, with Ukrainian counteroffensives reclaiming territory on several fronts. The need to present a victory before a possible collapse of Russian forces seems to be driving increasingly desperate decisions by the Kremlin.
