Petriashvili: even Kremlin allies acknowledge war is reaching Russian territory

Georgian diplomat Aleksi Petriashvili says that even Russian state propagandists and members of President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle now acknowledge that the war is increasingly being felt inside Russia.

Petriashvili argued that Ukrainian strikes have disrupted critical infrastructure, including oil refining facilities and that Russian citizens are now experiencing the consequences of the war firsthand.

“We are seeing Russians realise that the war has reached their own territory. Many believed it was taking place somewhere far away, but now they see it affecting their homes, businesses and everyday lives. They are queuing for fuel and their finances are being impacted,” he said.

Petriashvili also claimed the developments pose a challenge for Bidzina Ivanishvili, arguing that the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party had expected Russia to secure a rapid victory in Ukraine but that events have unfolded differently.