Like the majority of western news organisations, the Guardian has had no correspondent or reporter in Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine. But the Kremlin’s efforts to shut down outside media coverage has not stopped us from taking the political temperature of Russia. Indeed, as Pjotr Sauer and Shaun Walker report, attempts to close off the country have lost Vladimir Putin support among both the elites and ordinary citizens.
Talking to contacts made from many years working inside Russia, Pjotr and Shaun detail a shifting mood as the invasion drags on into its fourth summer with the economic and personal costs being increasingly felt at home. As one insider explains, “there is profound disappointment in Putin”, accompanied by “a growing sense that some kind of catastrophe is looming”.
The narrative of a bunkered ruler surrounded by underlings too scared to tell them the truth historically leads to putsch or revolution but our analysis shows that at present, though the winds may be chilling at home, Putin is far from being frozen out of power.
One day, we hope to be back reporting on the ground from Russia and I’m certain both Pjotr and Shaun would relish the chance to be back in Moscow under a different regime. Until then we rely on their expert analysis and insider contacts.
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Five essential reads in this week’s edition
Spotlight | Ebola: ‘Out of control’
A new strain of virus, aid cuts and conflict in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have hampered efforts to halt the spread of the virus, report Prosper Heri Ngorora in Goma and Carlos Mureithi
Science | Here be monsters
An exhibition, Jurassic Oceans, at London’s Natural History Museum, showcases the fearsome creatures that once lurked below the surface – and offers a stark warning about the impact of warming waters on marine ecosystems today. Matthew Pearce dives in
Feature | When the lights went out in Berlin
Earlier this year power was cut to a swathe of the German capital. A shadowy organisation, Volcano Group, claimed responsibility. But in the absence of any leads, theories of eco-terrorism, Russian meddling and far-right activity have flourished, discovers Ben Knight
Opinion | Victory doesn’t happen overnight
Arsenal’s careful planning to regain the Premier League title is a lesson in long-term thinking that the Labour party, and Arsenal fan Keir Starmer, should pay attention to, argues Jonathan Freedland
Culture | Back to black with Whistler
What does restoring Arrangement in Grey and Black No 1, or Whistler’s Mother, teach you about the artist who heralded a century of great American artists and about the craft of painting colour? Sarah Walden uncovers it all
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What else we’ve been reading
I found the powerful appreciation of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show – which aired for the final time last week – a fitting tribute to a late-night TV host able to make sense of the second age of Trump with a decency and calmness its protagonist lacks. Neil Willis, production editor
I was moved by Danny Stewart’s incredible story of a commute from work that became a life-changing moment for him and his partner, Pete, when he stumbled upon a baby left in a pile of clothes in the train station. A great story and a reminder that sometimes life’s unexpected turns lead to very happy endings.” Lewis Fendick, retention executive
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Other highlights from the Guardian website
• Audio | Heatwave hell: are soaring temperatures the new normal?
• Video | Lebanon divided: Hezbollah, Israel and the cost of resistance
• Gallery | Tour groups, temporary routes and toilets: the reshaping of Rome
• Interactive | On the world’s longest golf course, the dog-legs might be dingoes
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