The tide of war continued to change during 2024, and Putin continues to balance precariously between his strong-man persona incl. complete governmental control, and a Russia that will - unless the Ukraine war is won outright - be further depleted of resources, rising interest rates and inflation. Resources must continue to be diverted to support the war effort, further increasing dissatisfaction domestically. Although Putin continues to kill off political rivals without repercussions, will 2025 finally be the year his rivals have had enough?