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War in Ukraine: Putin’s motivations

When Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, he envisioned Russian forces capturing Kyiv within as little as three days. But despite the prolonged fighting, he has vowed to continue the war

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Why Vladimir Putin toned down his nuclear rhetoric
Russia’s president unnerved his foes and friends about the war in Ukraine turning into an atomic conflagration
‘A huge humiliation’: failed Russian putsch exposes deep flaws in Putin’s regime
Aborted Prigozhin rebellion raises spectre of state collapse if Kremlin faces further coup attempts
Vladimir Putin defiant over Ukraine war at modest Victory Day parade
Russian president claims war has been ‘unleashed against our motherland’ as annual festivities are scaled back
How long can Russia keep fighting the war in Ukraine?
Putin’s war machine is under enormous pressure, but Russia has the resources to sustain its efforts in Ukraine for some time to come
How Putin blundered into Ukraine — then doubled down
The decision to invade was taken after consulting only a tiny circle. The Russian leader has since become even more isolated
How Putin’s technocrats saved the economy to fight a war they opposed
Once thought of as reformers, the president’s economic confidants have ended up as enablers of an invasion they warned against

More from this Series

How serious is Vladimir Putin about launching a major Ukraine offensive?
If Russia ever wanted to renew its invasion, all signs point to that moment being now. Here are the key reasons why