Vladimir Putin is facing mounting anger from Russia's elite as the war in Ukraine drags on and the country's economy continues to suffer under the weight of Western sanctions

These officials reject any attempts at negotiation.

Russia was once again in flames today as a suspected Ukrainian drone strike' devastated a chemical plant in Vladimir Putin ’s home city of St Petersburg, leaving a "pillar of fire". Huge repeated explosions were heard at the facility in Gatchina - which makes acetone that can be used for military explosives and rocket fuel.

When he became acting president of Russia on the last day of the 20th Century, the former spy was an enigma to many. Who is the "man of deeds, not words"?

Senior Russian security and military officials are pushing for an escalation of hostilities in Ukraine, opposing any prospects of negotiations. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: ISW analysts note that Russian security forces deem it crucial to escalate military operations in Ukraine,