Putin Looking More Optimistic – HotAir

Even as Russia has begun making some noises about being open to peace talks that might pause the fighting in Ukraine, the New York Times reports this weekend that Vladimir Putin is sounding very optimistic about his prospects in the war. Things went quite poorly for the Russians during the first year, with their army being driven away from Kyiv and routed outside of the city of Kharkiv. Through it all, however, Putin stuck with his Defense Minister, Sergei K. Shoigu, and other senior officials. But now that the tide seems to have turned and Russia is making steady advances, Putin has begun making some changes. He recently removed Shoigu, replacing him with his trusted economic adviser, Andrei R. Belousov. He also had Shoigu’s top aid arrested. Recruiting for the Russian military is up after sagging previously, and the Ukrainians are giving up ground in multiple sections of the…