Putin Believes WW3 is Underway: Academics Analyze Russia's Confidence

Thea Fathanah Arbar, CNBC Indonesia

Thursday, 07/12/2023 11:15 WIB

Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin waves with a smile while attending Russian Victory Day in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday (9/5/2023). (Getty Images)

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – An academic from Central European University, Alexander Etkind, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is said to believe that the Third World War (WW3) is currently underway.

“People in the Kremlin believe that World War Three is underway, and they (Russia) are better prepared than other countries,” said Etkind, as quoted by AFP on Thursday (7/12/2023).

Etkind assesses that Putin’s confidence arises because of the situation and resources that Russia currently has. He also said that Russia’s belief in the Third World War also occurred because they were considered more prepared than other countries.

“This (situation) gives them a lot of pleasure. Their lives have become meaningful again,” he added.

Apart from Etkind, academics and other observers also say that Putin is confident in his political position, where his country is starting to be able to overcome several threats and problems.

Senior researcher on Russia and Eurasia from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Nigel Gould-Davies, said that Putin now looks more confident when expressing his stance and steps.

“Putin is speaking with more confidence now than he has at any time since the war began,” said Gould Davies.

Putin’s confidence emerged after Ukraine’s stalled counterattack prompted Moscow to reassert its position. Wagner’s mercenaries who once planned a coup against Putin’s power are also no longer an issue.

In addition, in the midst of sanctions efforts from the West due to the war with Ukraine, Russia’s oil revenues have recovered and are even getting stronger.

Watch the video below: