Putin looks to avoid blame for losing Kherson, political analyst says
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin (Photo:Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS)
When Russia announced its retreat from occupied Kherson on Nov. 9, the televised event included Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Moscow’s commander of invasion forces Sergey Surovikin – without involving Russian dictator Vladimir Putin at all. Putin remains silent on losing the key Ukrainian city, suggesting he doesn’t want to be associated with Russia’s most significant military setback, political scientist Valery Klochok said in an interview with NV Radio on Nov. 10.
“It seems to me that Russia will leave the city of Kherson, Kherson Oblast, the right bank and even the left bank, and will move closer to the Crimea,” said Klochok.
“They are already upgrading their defensive positions in Novotroitsk, Armyansk, and Chongar (in occupied Crimea).”
Klochok then noted that Putin wasn’t involved in the decision.
“Why hasn’t Putin commented on this issue yet?” the expert continued.
“Either he doesn’t know about it, and this happens without his consent. Or – most likely in my opinion – he was actually removed from the management processes to end the war in Ukraine at some point. I don't know if this would be a complete end of the war or a truce. But this was preceded by a very serious negotiation effort between the United States and the Kremlin. Not with Putin himself, but with those who are in power today.”
According to Klochok, Putin no longer has full control of the Russian military in Ukraine.
“The number of dead troops going back back to Russia is really a big threat to the internal stability of their country,” he added.
“This will lead to destabilization. It already is doing so – Putin just doesn’t want to admit it. The military leadership is well aware of this. It fails to achieve the stupid goals that Putin had previously given them when he signed decrees on ‘partial mobilization.’ It seems to me that the pragmatic, cold calculation of the Russian military leadership is now gaining the upper hand. They cannot win the war, so they are taking steps accordingly.”
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