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How Putin stays strong in Russia, four years into war in Ukraine

The quick victory never came. But a functional economy, controlled media and slow battle gains give Putin control.

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin tries pastries from the Mashenka bakery in Moscow on Dec. 20, 2025, after the owner asked him about tax reforms at his annual call-in show. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)