The formation in Russia of a new concept of “fairness” is testament to how long the war in Ukraine is expected to continue. The “special military operation” is fast approaching a way of life.

While there is no doubt over the election’s outcome, the presidential campaign is already exposing the myth of complete consolidation around an irreplaceable president. Vladimir Putin may be winning in the short term, but he is strewing mines beneath the country’s future.

How Putin’s Pursuit of Power Has Hollowed Out the Country and Its People.

Alexei Navalny will not be forgotten. He was a unique example of a fearless politician in a country where politics in the traditional sense of the word is directly forbidden on the threat of reprisals.

It’s been almost two years since the Kremlin launched what it terms its “special military operation” against Ukraine, and most Russians have learned to cope with wartime pressures by distancing themselves as much as possible from what is unfolding on the battlefield.

Andrei Kolesnikov spoke with Foreign Affairs Senior Editor Hugh Eakin on January 8 about Putin’s hold on power and how Russians view their leader and his disastrous war.

2024 is a crucial year for Russia. The Kremlin will face the challenge of elections and the conflict in Ukraine in a tumultuous geopolitical context. Andrei Kolesnikov delves into the complexities of the country's internal dynamics, the impending presidential elections, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Many Russians equate their country with the political regime that rules it, and believe it is their duty to support the state’s actions. This belief and the limited impact the war in Ukraine has had on the day-to-day lives of most Russians go some way to explaining continuing high levels of support for the war among Russians.

As Putin gears up for Russia’s March 2024 “presidential election,” securing controlled victory, questions arise about potential post-election military escalation.

Writing on Russian Constitution Day, Andrei Kolesnikov examines the succession of constitutions from Soviet times to present, including Vladimir Putin’s 2020 amendments, and concludes that the authoritarianization of Russia’s current regime is no fault of its constitution.