Russia’s Decline: Weak Economy, Failing Allies, and Rising Resistance
Russia has had a very bad few weeks. Its carefully crafted public image of power is nothing more than an illusion—a house of mirrors distorting reality to hide its weaknesses. That illusion is deteriorating, exposing a state weighed down by a contracting economy, faltering alliances, and an overextended military. From Syria to Georgia to Romania to Ukraine, the cracks in Moscow’s geopolitical ambitions are widening. As resistance grows, the question looms: will a Trump presidency next month provide Moscow the lifeline it desperately needs?
A Shrinking Economy Propped Up by War
The Russian economy is unraveling, with record-high interest rates—22 percent for businesses and 25 percent for individuals—crippling growth across industries. The central bank’s decision to raise rates to 21 percent in October has drawn fierce criticism, including from the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), as businesses grapple with soaring borrowing costs. Unlike previous crises, this cycle of high rates shows no signs of easing, underscoring the mounting instability in Russia’s economy.
Syria: Assad’s Collapse Undermines Moscow
After over a decade of propping up Bashar al-Assad’s brutal regime in Syria and aiding in the murder of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, Russia is witnessing its investment crumble. Assad, infamous for chemical attacks, war crimes, crimes of aggression, and mass atrocities, has reportedly fled to Russia following the swift collapse of his regime. Despite Moscow’s promises of unwavering support, they were unable to deliver, revealing Russia’s diminishing global influence. Now, Russia is scrambling to evacuate its equipment and personnel, while also adding yet another dictator to its collection of failed operations, offering Assad asylum in Russia.
My heartfelt congratulations goes out to the Syrian people, who never gave up their fight for freedom, dignity, and justice.
Romania Exposes Russia’s Hybrid Threats
In Romania, Russia’s interference in the recent presidential election was met with decisive action. The Constitutional Court annulled the results after the nation’s security services uncovered “Russian hybrid actions” that used TikTok to promote a pro-Kremlin candidate. “This election was a test for the resilience of the whole European Union,” said Siegfried Mureșan, a member of the European Parliament. Romania took swift and strong action, exposing and neutralizing Russia's efforts. This serves as a critical lesson for the U.S. and other European countries on the correct way to confront Russia's election interference and safeguard democratic processes.
Georgia: Protests Against Kremlin Influence
In Georgia, daily mass protests have erupted against the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party following Russia's interference and a rigged election. The Georgians are growing more resilient and organized, unbowed by the brutal Russian-style tactics of beatings by regime forces and Titushkis (masked thugs) deployed by the regime. Georgians are quickly forming self-defense groups to protect themselves from the thugs of the illegitimate, violent pro-Russian regime. This defiance mirrors the resistance seen in Ukraine during the Maidan protests, where Ukrainians, despite facing similar tactics from Russia, ultimately prevailed in their fight for freedom.
A Warning for Other Russian Client States
Other Russian-backed regimes should take heed: Moscow’s promises of protection and stability are hollow. After siphoning resources and exploiting alliances, the Kremlin abandons its proxies when the cost becomes too high. Assad’s collapse should serve as yet another lesson.
Will Trump Save Russia?
Russia’s military losses in Ukraine are catastrophic, with hundreds of thousands of troops killed and vast amounts of equipment destroyed. As Russia struggles to maintain its grip on its proxies, its geopolitical ambitions are clearly outpacing its capabilities.
Trump’s return to the White House could provide Moscow the lifeline it desperately needs. He has pledged to cut U.S. aid to Ukraine, undermining Kyiv’s resistance and pushing for negotiations with a terrorist state committing genocide. Such a move would embolden Russia and reverse the small progress made in countering global Russian aggression. I can only hope that Europe is preparing for this scenario and has a plan in place to continue applying pressure on Moscow.
In the coming weeks, President Biden must do everything within his power to ramp up U.S. support for Ukraine, ensuring they have the military resources needed to push back Russian forces as much as possible before Trump takes office. Additional military equipment must be sent immediately to bolster Ukraine’s defense and strengthen its position.
As this struggle unfolds, keep Ukrainians and Georgians in your thoughts. Their courageous fight for freedom and a better future is not just a stand for their nations but a battle for democracy everywhere.
And a most happy Pearl Harbor to you, too, Vladimir!😉