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Vladimir Putin may now have only one option left in Ukraine, as the conflict, which has been ongoing for over two years, significantly destabilizes the Russian economy.
After nearly three years of fighting with its neighbor, Russia has suffered heavy losses in both human lives and equipment, with over 700,000 soldiers reportedly killed or wounded, according to estimates from Kyiv. However, these figures have not been independently verified.
The Russian Defense Ministry’s budget is set to reach a new high next year, with $138 billion allocated to sustain the war effort—an amount that will account for 40% of Kremlin spending.
Currently, Russia faces record inflation and interest rates of 21%.
According to Nicholas Drummond, a defense analyst and strategic consultant specializing in land warfare, the nuclear threat grows increasingly serious as long as the conflict drags on.
He wrote in an opinion piece for the Daily Express: “The ongoing provision of military aid to Ukraine means that the threat of nuclear weapons has not receded. After almost 1,000 days of fighting, the war has become an attritional stalemate. It has been costly for Russia both militarily and economically.”
He added: “When Putin runs out of soldiers, equipment and money, the only thing left will be his nuclear arsenal.”
