RAINER SAKS: Putin creates dangerous illusions as Ukraine motivates soldiers with high wages

Security expert Rainer Saks analyses Putin's latest media appearance, in which the Russian president threatened to increase airstrikes on Ukraine. Saks explains how Putin creates dangerous illusions for his population about the course of the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine seeks solutions to motivate frontline troops through higher wages.

Security expert Rainer Saks analyses in his latest commentary the latest statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin, which were made once again in the spotlight of major media attention. Putin announced that Russia intends to increase airstrikes on Ukraine, justifying this by the need to respond to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian targets.

Putin's rhetoric and illusions

According to Saks, the core substance of Putin's messages is that the Russian president is trying to convince his citizens that Russia maintains control over the conflict. Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks do damage to the Russian economy, but at the same time claimed that all damage would be restored quickly and that Ukraine lacks the ability to create serious long-term problems. Saks calls such claims dangerous illusions that distort Russians' understanding of reality.

Ukrainian military motivation

As a second important issue, Saks highlights Ukraine's attempt to motivate its frontline troops with higher wages. This is a sign that maintaining the attractiveness of military service is becoming an increasingly major challenge for Kyiv. Higher wages are one of the possible solutions that help maintain morale and material readiness in the conditions of a prolonged conflict.

Expert assessment in broader context

Saks emphasises that Putin's public appearances are directed primarily at the Russian domestic audience and aim to maintain support for the war. At the same time, Western countries and Ukraine should not underestimate such statements, as they reflect the Kremlin's strategic communications. According to the expert, it is important to monitor how Russian rhetoric aligns with actual military operations, and often a significant discrepancy emerges between them.