The Kremlin appears to be sending the signal that no degree of effectiveness can protect someone from punishment for disloyalty.
Author: Anton Troianovski and Valerie Hopkins
Putin Casts Rebellion as Proof of Russian Solidity as Belarus Takes Prigozhin In
Belarus said it had taken in the mercenary boss Yevgeny V. Prigozhin and might welcome his Wagner troops, while Russia dropped a criminal investigation of him for the weekend uprising.
News Analysis: In Brittney Griner Deal, Putin Used Pain, a Familiar Lever
By seizing the basketball star, the Russian president made things so painful for the U.S. that it capitulated and turned over a convicted arms dealer. Can the same tactic work in the war in Ukraine?
Putin Announces Ukraine Annexation, Calling West the Enemy
Declaring that Russia would annex four regions of Ukraine, which the West rejects as illegal, the Russian president accused the U.S. and its allies of “despotism’’ and “Satanism.’’
Putin Raises Stakes in the War, With Direct Challenge to the West
The Russian leader announced a call-up of troops and hinted at using nuclear weapons, accusing the West of trying to “destroy our country” and vowing that Russia would defend itself.
With Ukraine Taking Firmer Stance, Peace Talks Grind to a Halt
The impasse is mainly driven by Russia’s insistence on controlling large swaths of Ukrainian territory. But Ukraine is also emboldened by successes on the battlefield and angry over Russian atrocities.