Putin pours vast sums money into Ukraine war in ‘desperate’ attempt to cling to power
It has been more than a year since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sparking the worst security crisis in Europe since World War II. Despite facing international condemnation, sanctions, and resistance from the Ukrainian armed forces and volunteers, Vladimir Putin shows no sign of backing down from his aggressive expansionism. Why is the Russian leader so determined to wage war on his neighbor, and what are the costs and consequences of his actions?
According to Bill Browder, a former hedge fund manager who exposed the Russian government’s campaign to steal and launder hundreds of billions of dollars and kill anyone who stands in its way, Putin’s war is driven by a combination of personal, political, and strategic motives. Browder, who is the author of the bestselling books Red Notice and Freezing Order, and the head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, which aims to hold Putin and his henchmen accountable for human rights violations, spoke to Times Radio on November 28, 2023, about the reasons behind Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Browder said that Putin sees Ukraine as a “personal affront” because it represents a successful example of a former Soviet republic that has chosen a democratic and pro-Western path, unlike Russia, which has become a “kleptocratic dictatorship” under his rule. He said that Putin fears that the Ukrainian model could inspire a similar uprising in Russia, where he faces growing discontent and opposition from the people, especially the younger generation. He said that Putin also views Ukraine as a “buffer zone” between Russia and NATO, and that he wants to prevent Ukraine from joining the Western alliance, which he considers a threat to his security and influence.
Browder said that Putin has poured vast sums of money into the war in Ukraine, which he estimated to be around 30 percent of Russia’s fiscal expenditure, in a “desperate” attempt to cling to power and achieve his objectives. He said that this has come at a huge cost to the Russian economy, which has suffered from low oil prices, inflation, and sanctions, as well as to the Russian society, which has endured casualties, propaganda, and repression. He said that Putin has also alienated many of his former allies and partners, such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, who have distanced themselves from his aggression and sought closer ties with the West.
Browder said that the war in Ukraine is not only a military conflict, but also a “deep battle” for the hearts and minds of the Ukrainian people, who have shown remarkable resilience and courage in defending their sovereignty and identity. He said that the Ukrainian government and civil society have made significant reforms and progress in fighting corruption, strengthening democracy, and integrating with the European Union, despite the challenges and pressures from the war. He said that the Ukrainian people have also demonstrated a strong sense of patriotism and solidarity, as well as a willingness to help and support each other, especially the veterans and the displaced.
Browder said that the best way to stop Putin’s war is to increase the diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on him, and to make him realize that his actions have consequences and that he cannot win. He said that the international community, especially the United States and the European Union, should provide more assistance and support to Ukraine, in terms of sanctions, aid, and weapons. He said that the Ukrainian armed forces and volunteers should continue to resist and deter the Russian aggression, and to inflict as much damage and pain as possible on the enemy. He said that the Ukrainian people should also continue to pursue their democratic and European aspirations, and to show the world that they are not afraid of Putin and that they will never give up their freedom and dignity.
