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Putin Humiliated as Bombing Interrupts His Charm Offensive
The Daily Beast • • world
Key Points:
- A targeted bombing in Russian-occupied Crimea killed a Russian Defense Ministry officer, with the explosive device hidden in a trash can in Sevastopol, home to the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
- The FSB arrested a 32-year-old Russian woman accused of acting on behalf of Ukrainian special services in the attack, with local officials stating she showed no remorse.
- The incident comes amid President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to boost his popularity by touring Russian cities after a period of wartime isolation, as his approval rating has dropped to 66%, the lowest since the 2022 war began.
- Putin’s public appearances aim to reassure the Russian public and improve the Kremlin’s standing, though some experts argue these efforts have limited impact on public opinion.
- His visits have prompted local governments to lower energy prices and undertake rapid beautification projects, with some citizens noting significant city improvements in anticipation of his arrival.
