Will Trump brace or blink when Vladimir Putin escalates? President Vladimir Putin is expected to escalate threats to the West due to Russia’s military struggles in Ukraine, including effective Ukrainian defensive lines and strikes deep inside Russia. The Kremlin’s escalation is already evident through demands for diplomats to evacuate Kyiv and threats to NATO member Latvia. This escalation stems from Russia’s battlefield losses, disrupted command and control, and depleted offensive capabilities.

• Putin is expected to escalate threats to the West as Russia struggles in Ukraine.
• Escalation includes demands for diplomats to evacuate Kyiv and threats to Latvia.
• Russia is losing the war in Ukraine and wants the West to end its support.
• Russian forces are facing communication disruptions and their command and control are in disarray.
• Ukrainian drones are impacting Russian offensive actions and logistics.
• Russia has suffered significant troop losses.