❗️Putin reportedly fears ending the war without capturing all of Donbas, telling associates: "They will hang me if I don't take Donbas," The Economist reports, citing sources. The outlet says he decided this summer to escalate in pursuit of that goal, including intensified strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and an autumn mobilization campaign. It also reports growing public frustration in Russia and unease among elites over the lack of major battlefield results.

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