“Why can’t Putin stop the war? Five traps he set for himself”

As the international community debates scenarios for ending the war in Ukraine, a reality is becoming increasingly clear: Vladimir Putin cannot actually stop this conflict. The Kyiv Post explains why.1. The return of war-torn individuals
Over 700,000 Russian soldiers have passed through the Ukrainian front lines. Many of them were poorly trained, brutalized, and traumatized. Upon returning home, many of them become aggressors, committing acts of violence, including murder and rape. A new wave of crime has emerged in Russia – not from outside the country, but from within its own ranks of “war heroes.”In desperation, the Kremlin has begun recruiting prisoners – including those convicted of extremely violent crimes. According to the UN, approximately 170,000 such individuals have been sent to the front lines. And upon their return, some of them reoffend. Rapes, assaults, murders – especially against women and children.Ending the war would mean reintegrating these traumatized and sometimes radicalized individuals into society. A prospect that the Kremlin avoids at all costs, for fear of the social chaos that could ensue.2. An economy dependent on war
The Russian 2025 budget reflects an alarming reality: nearly 30% of state spending goes towards defense. In absolute numbers, this means that nearly every third ruble spent by the state is fueling the war machine.The arms industry has become the main economic engine of the country. Metallurgy, chemistry, electronics – all have been re-purposed for the needs of the front lines. Even under Western sanctions, Russia’s GDP artificially grew by 3.6% in 2023 – not through innovation or trade, but through the production of tanks and ammunition.For the Putin regime, war is no longer just a political strategy – it is its economic infrastructure. Ending hostilities would mean stopping this national emergency factory, with social and financial consequences that are difficult to anticipate.3. War as a political shield
Against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has cemented control over Russian society. Under the guise of “wartime”, he silenced any form of opposition. Critics have been eliminated – either symbolically or physically.Alexei Navalny died under suspicious circumstances in a penal colony in the Arctic. Yevgeny Prigozhin, who dared to organize an armed revolt, disappeared in a plane crash shortly after. Those who were not killed are imprisoned or exiled. And cultural elites have been leaving the country in waves since 2022.Read more HERE.