A report by The Economist suggests Russian President Vladimir Putin fears for his life if the war in Ukraine doesn’t result in the capture of the Donbas region. Sources indicate Putin expressed anxieties about potential retribution, reportedly stating he could be “hanged.” This fear reportedly drove a decision over the summer to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. The report claims Putin believes a failure to achieve a significant victory, specifically controlling all of Donbas, could lead to his downfall. Consequently, he is prepared to intensify military efforts. The escalating actions are therefore viewed as a preemptive measure to secure his position and prevent internal challenges to his authority. This suggests a potentially dangerous turning point in the ongoing war.