From warning of nuclear confrontation to stoking energy crises and perhaps even eyeing up fresh territories to invade, Moscow has ramped up its threats this week — but so has the West: The United States and its allies are readying huge new shipments of heavy weapons and military equipment to help Ukrainian troops on the ground, while voicing more ambitious goals for the conflict.
Indeed, his power is enhanced.
In fact, it is its preferred path forward.
But on Saturday, Ukrainian authorities admitted that the legendary pilot was a myth.
As his aggressive and other dissident voices shows, he is most concerned about eroding support among the Russian public.
If not, what does confrontation look like? The wrecks of machines also litter the land he ordered his forces to invade as Ukraine also claims it has destroyed more than 1,000 tanks, 2,400 armoured vehicles and 345 aircraft.