An opinion piece examines Vladimir Putin's claim that Russia could 'cease to exist' if it loses the war in Ukraine, a line traced to a 2022 remark by then-NATO Ambassador Julianne Smith about a U.S. goal of Russia's 'strategic defeat.' The author argues the claim is partly political, used to justify new sacrifices, and also reflects genuine paranoia among Russia's KGB-trained leaders. Even a Ukrainian victory that pushed Russian forces back to internationally recognized borders would not erase Russia, the author notes. The Kremlin plans a 27% increase in next year's defense budget, partly funded by cuts to education, healthcare and welfare. The piece also notes that the U.S. has moved to the sidelines, having halted aid to Ukraine last year.
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