Is Putin losing control of his war in Ukraine? Independent Thinking podcast

Is the initiative on the Ukraine war slipping out of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s hands? And how has the US-Israel war on Iran affected Moscow?

Audio

Published 8 May 2026 — 35 minute listen

Is the Ukraine war beginning to bite for the average Russian? The economic crisis is tightening, and Moscow and St Petersburg are increasingly subject to lengthy internet and mobile blackouts.

Fearing Ukrainian drone attacks, Russia has vastly scaled down its traditional celebration of military power – the Victory Day parade – while Putin is reported to be increasingly isolated, micromanaging the war from an assortment of bunkers.

Is the initiative on the Ukraine war slipping out of Putin’s hands? And how has Trump’s attack on Iran changed Moscow’s calculus in the Middle East? Bronwen Maddox talks to Grégoire Roos, director of Chatham House’s Europe and Russia and Eurasia programmes, and associate fellow John Lough.

Produced by Podmasters for Chatham House, with thanks to Stephen Farrell.

About Independent Thinking

Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.

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