Dictator’s New Year’s Loneliness Portrayed in US Media
(Yoshihisa Komori: Resident Correspondent Sankei Shimbun Washington, Distinguished Professor at Reitaku University)
An analysis in the United States reported in detail that Russian President Vladimir Putin, who continues to invade Ukraine, is becoming more and more politically isolated in Russia.
While Putin remains a powerful force in Russia and intends to bring Ukraine into military submission, a new distance has emerged between him and his longtime close allies. There are also warnings that Mr Putin’s isolation in the new climate could lead to even bolder military offences.
International isolation arising from the words of allies
An analysis of Putin’s new isolation was reported in a long article in the Washington Post (December 30, 2022). “Putin, no stranger to defeat, deepens isolation as a war situation,” read the headline.
The author is Catherine Belton, known for her many years of reporting on Russia in the newspaper’s international reporting section. The journalist is currently based in London, but has worked in Russia for a long time. In his book “Putin’s Supporters,” he traces Putin’s political career in detail from his time in the KGB, and shines a light on his supporters and assistants, attracting international attention. This time also, he conducted local coverage in Russia and Ukraine, and in particular, he interviewed many people directly on the Russian side.
