"I will be hanged if I do not conquer Donbas". Putin fears for his life because of the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that ending the war without conquering the entire Donbas could threaten his survival, expressing his fears to his close associates.

According to sources, Putin reportedly stated: "They will hang me if I don't take Donbas." In this context, he plans to mobilize another 400,000 soldiers, considering that the mobilization decree from September 2022 remains in effect. Recruitment could be delegated to regional authorities, who might use pressure tactics to meet quotas.

Additionally, the Kremlin may expand its hybrid campaign against Ukraine's allies, targeting European arms factories. Despite internal pressures and concerns from the Russian elite, Putin maintains his position, and a Russian parliamentarian has suggested the use of tactical nuclear weapons to force Ukraine's surrender. This escalation of the conflict raises fears about a possible intensification of violence in the region.