Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing mounting pressure as Ukraine demonstrates an enhanced capability to conduct strikes deep within Russian territory, according to a former senior American official.
Carrie Filipetti, who previously served in a senior role at the US State Department and currently heads the Vandenberg Coalition, told Fox News that Ukrainian forces have recently managed "to penetrate much deeper into Russian territory, including areas near Moscow and St. Petersburg." These successes, she said, are causing Russians "to panic" and have prompted an intensification of Russian attacks inside Ukraine.
"Putin becomes very anxious when he's pushed into a corner," Filipetti stated. She added that Moscow is now attempting to damage not only Ukraine's military capabilities but also its citizens' will to continue fighting.
Her comments came as Ukraine marked its 35th Independence Day. President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that his country seeks peace but will not surrender to Moscow's demands. Meanwhile, European leaders traveled to Kyiv to demonstrate their support for Ukraine.
Filipetti argued that over the past year, Russia has achieved "almost no territorial gains," noting: "Putin thought this special military operation would last a matter of weeks." According to her, Ukraine's continued resistance sends a message to Russia and other US adversaries that "invading another country will bring consequences, not rewards."
