Despite early confidence, Russia's advantages in manpower and resources for the war in Ukraine are diminishing due to economic strains. Western sanctions and growing debt within the defense sector threaten Putins position.

The Kremlin continues to conduct an information campaign directed toward both domestic and international audiences that aims to conceal the extent to which Russia's war against Ukraine has negatively affected Russia's economy.

The U.S. special envoy to Russia and Ukraine said Thursday the U.S. plans to significantly step up pressure on Russia through sanctions to end the war in Ukraine. In an exclusive interview with the New York Post,