Judging Freedom Gilbert Doctorow : The Kremlin Prepares for War With Europe
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Apr 22, 2026 
Gilbert Doctorow, independent analyst and Russia specialist, provides sharp commentary on Kremlin dynamics and European security. He dissects Putin’s standing in the Kremlin and rising signs of internal strain. He surveys shifting public mood, Belarus’s unpredictable role, a new European security grouping, and how the Iran conflict affects weapons flows and targeting decisions.
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Putin's Standing Looks Shaky Within The Kremlin
- Putin's hold on the Kremlin appears weakened despite official polls and media praise.
- State TV personalities like Vladimir Soloviov performed public backtracking and praise, suggesting Kremlin pressure to shore up Putin's image.
Public Fatigue From Constant Putin Speechifying
- Russian public fatigue is growing from repetitive Putin speechifying across all news slots.
- Doctorow describes a cultivated cult of personality that now bores rather than rallies ordinary Russians.
Iran's Boldness Highlights Russian Leadership Weakness
- Iran's assertive response to US-Israel actions impressed Russian thinking classes and highlighted leadership contrasts.
- Russians praise Iranian grit, seeing their own leadership as having ceded sovereignty by not responding robustly.