Russia's ruling elite faces mounting tensions amid economic and military pressures (osw.waw.pl)

• Economic downturn, budget deficit, and inflation strain Russia's population and elites.
• Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory and military stagnation erode Putin's image.
• EU and NATO face challenge of deepening elite splits without risking destabilization in Russia.

"An OSW analysis examines growing internal tensions within Russia's elite, fueled by macroeconomic decline, a widening budget deficit, falling public support for Putin, military stagnation, and Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia. While systemic erosion is increasing, the author assesses an imminent power crisis or elite revolt as unlikely. The analysis discusses implications for EU and NATO, including opportunities to exacerbate elite divisions and risks of Russian influence operations seeking to exploit Western fears of instability."