Putin Accused of Using War to Boost Global Image and Cement Political Legacy

 

As the war in Ukraine grinds on and geopolitical tensions mount, global analysts and intelligence insiders are warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin is deliberately using the conflict to boost his international profile and solidify his position as a dominant global figure.

While millions suffer and thousands die, critics say Putin has turned war into a personal branding campaign, projecting himself as a fearless leader who defies the West, challenges NATO, and reclaims Russia’s place on the world stage.

“For Putin, this war is not just about land it’s about legacy,” said European security analyst Jakob Wentz. “He’s using it to rewrite his image as a global power broker and to distract from domestic problems.”

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Since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin has:

• Dominated global headlines almost daily.

• Positioned himself as a leader standing up to Western “decay.”

• Tightened alliances with China, North Korea, and Iran.

• Used state media to push a narrative of Russian strength and moral superiority.

In Russia, the strategy appears to be working. State-run polls show Putin’s approval ratings rising, bolstered by a mix of patriotism, propaganda, and fear.

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But internationally, his calculated image-building is drawing fierce backlash. NATO leaders, human rights groups, and diplomats accuse him of weaponizing chaos, prolonging war for political gain, and using suffering as a spotlight.

“He’s trying to go down in history not as a tyrant, but as a titan,” said retired U.S. intelligence officer Linda Gray. “But the world sees through the smoke. This isn’t leadership its legacy by destruction.”

The Kremlin denies the accusations, insisting Russia’s actions are defensive and justified. But leaked memos from Russian think tanks suggest that internal strategists are tracking Putin’s global name recognition metrics as a key performance indicator.

As Ukraine continues to fight for survival and the world braces for further instability, one thing is clear: Putin’s war is no longer just about borders it’s about building a mythos.

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