Putin shows no sign of stopping the war as Russia doubles down on Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no signs of de-escalating the war in Ukraine, bolstered by a supportive parliament and a focus on military victory. The Kremlin continues to pressure European nations to reduce their support for Kyiv as the conflict enters a difficult winter phase.
Why it matters
The ongoing conflict remains a primary driver of global geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty.
Figure caption, Watch: "This is a war Europe is waging against us", Sergei Lavrov tells BBC
When Vladimir Putin arrived to address Russia's parliament on Wednesday, a warm welcome was guaranteed.
"The Special Election Operation", as one Russian newspaper dubbed last month's legislative vote , has produced a State Duma even more pro-Putin than anything before it.
The ruling party, United Russia, now has more MPs than ever.
It allows the Kremlin to claim it has been handed a huge mandate from the Russian people.
Are there any signs he is prepared to halt what he calls the special military operation? Or should we brace for further escalation in Ukraine and in tensions with Europe?
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