Putin prepares long war in Ukraine, people close to Kremlin do not believe in Russia's victory - Reuters

Reuters reports about this citing high-ranking sources in Russia.

"Ahead, it will be even more difficult and more costly for both Ukraine and Russia. Economic losses on this scale are not worth a few conquered territories," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. 

When the Russian president ordered troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, he expected to win quickly, earn a place in history alongside the tsars, and arrange Russia's revival since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

However, according to the Reuters source, “Putin's hopes of burnishing his reputation had been dashed”. The Russian president is also convinced that Moscow is involved in an existential battle with an arrogant West that wants to carve up Russia and its vast resources.

According to five senior Russian sources close to decision-making, despite all the geopolitical shock waves that Putin has caused, he still has no serious rival for power. And given the suppression of public dissent, the 70-year-old Putin should not be afraid of the presidential elections to be held in March 2024.

In particular, the source said Russia was at a disadvantage in both military technology and motivation, but that the war would still continue "for a very long time".

• Earlier, ISW analysts claimed that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin continues to publicly support his defense ministry as Russian troops continue to suffer catastrophic losses in the Vuhledar area of Donetsk region.