# The Economist: Putin Said, “They Will Hang Me”

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/daily-updates-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-7410811/the-economist-putin-said-they-will-hang-me
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/daily-updates-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-7410811/the-economist-putin-said-they-will-hang-me.md
Podcast: [Daily Updates on Russian Invasion of Ukraine](https://stenobird.com/podcast/daily-updates-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-7410811)
Published: 2026-08-31T17:30:17+00:00
Episode link: https://ProfessorGerdes.podbean.com/e/the-economist-putin-said-they-will-hang-me/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dxthxzfhrw6bw935/yt_video_MB3lvrsqv-w_eqwgbe.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/daily-updates-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-7410811/episodes/the-economist-putin-said-they-will-hang-me
Duration seconds: 801

## Resource

I examine The Economist’s reporting that Vladimir Putin fears ending the war without control of all of Donbas—and may be preparing to send another 300,000 to 400,000 Russians into the war. The central question is not simply whether Russia can escalate, but why Putin may see escalation as safer than admitting failure.I assess Russia’s stalled war, Ukraine’s strikes on oil refineries and logistics, the standing 2022 mobilization decree, pressure from pro-war Z-nationalists, and the danger of hybrid attacks on European factories and supply routes. I also consider reported incidents in Germany, Slovakia, and along Finland’s border, and why Putin may seek to pressure NATO allies while avoiding direct war with NATO.00:00 Putin’s Fear of Defeat01:58 A Stalemated and Costly War03:20 Hybrid Warfare Risks in Europe05:17 Putin’s Survival and American Signals07:56 Why Escalation May Seem Safer Than Peace09:09 The Pro-War Nationalist Threat10:57 Assessing Putin’s Strategic Calculation#UkraineRussiaWar #VladimirPutin #Donbas #NATO #RussiaMobilizationFacts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship.Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_…

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