How Putin stays strong in Russia, four years into war in Ukraine
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Four years into the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to maintain control by relying on a combination of economic adaptability, media manipulation, and incremental military progress. Despite initial expectations of a swift victory, the conflict has dragged on, with Russia reorienting its economy toward weapons production and enduring the strain of Western sanctions. While social tensions rise due to domestic issues like rising prices and violence linked to returning soldiers, life in major cities remains largely unchanged, with many Russians disengaged from public discourse about the war.
The Kremlin's narrative dominates national conversations, framing the West as the enemy and attributing economic difficulties to external threats. State-controlled media propagates this message, emphasizing Russia's eventual success while omitting the human toll on Ukraine. To counter alternative perspectives, Russia has restricted access to foreign social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram, replacing them with a state-backed messaging app called "Max," which doubles as a payment system and tool for accessing government services. This move aims to centralize information flow and monitor citizens, despite concerns over surveillance and resistance from some users.
Despite ongoing peace negotiations since 2025, progress remains elusive due to irreconcilable demands from Russia and Ukraine. The conflict's normalization in Russian society, coupled with the state's ability to suppress dissent and control the narrative, underscores Putin's enduring grip on power. This situation holds significant implications for global stability, as it highlights Russia's resilience despite economic and social challenges, making it a key factor in international relations and security dynamics.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026