Vladimir Putin’s grip on power in Russia remains firm despite military setbacks in Ukraine, a botched mobilisation, and political infighting, eight well-informed sources said, but some said that could change fast if total defeat beckoned.Most of them said the Russian president was in one of the tightest spots in his more than two decades in power over Ukraine, where his invading forces have been pushed back in places by a Western-armed Kyiv.But the sources, including current and former Western diplomats and government officials, said no imminent threat was apparent from his inner circle, military or intelligence services.”For the moment, Putin is hanging in there,” said Anthony Brenton, a former British ambassador to Russia.He said he believed the Russian leader hoped to negotiate over Ukraine, probably with the Americans, and hoped Moscow’s flagging battlefield fortunes would pick up despite what the West says is a lack of manpower, hardware and even missiles.In power since 1999, Putin has weathered numerous domestic crises and wars, and more than once faced down large street protests before effectively outlawing any real opposition.The 70-year-old’s “special military operation” in Ukraine since February 24, however, has created the most tense East-West standoff since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis and triggered the harshest Western sanctions against Russia ever.
