Authoritarian Watch
Putin Can Demand Loyalty. He Still Cannot Deliver Victory.
On Putin’s 74th birthday, Ukrainian strikes, rising war costs, and internal corruption strain his regime.
Jason Jay Smart
7 Oct 2026
jasonjaysmart.substack.com/p/putin-turn...
jasonjaysmart.substack.com
Putin Can Demand Loyalty. He Still Cannot Deliver Victory.
On Putin’s 74th birthday, Ukrainian strikes, rising war costs, and internal corruption strain his regime.