One popular pro-Russia blogger described Saturday as the „most difficult“ day of the war since it began in February.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing backlash from pro-Kremlin bloggers amid his military’s „horrible failure“ in Ukraine.
Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine on February 24, banking on his vast military to propel him to a quick victory. However, Ukraine met his troops with a stronger-than-expected defense effort, bolstered by aid from allies including the United States. In recent days, Ukraine has ramped up counteroffensives in Russian-occupied territory, allowing Kyiv to make massive gains more than six months into the conflict.
Ukraine launched a surprise counteroffensive in the areas around Kharkiv, the country’s second largest city. In recent days, Ukrainian forces seized control of key cities such as Izyum and Kupyansk, forcing Russian soldiers to retreat as experts see Ukraine building momentum.
Despite worldwide condemnation due to alleged human-rights abuses committed by the Russian military and a lack of justification for the war, many in Russia rallied around Putin. However, these Ukrainian victories have seen some hardline pro-Russia bloggers, who for months cheered on the Russian leader’s invasion, turn on him.
These pro-Russian bloggers, some of which have millions of followers, have long played a role in spreading the Kremlin’s pro-war propaganda, but are now criticizing Putin for the losses, saying that he should be putting more resources into the war.
