The Sunday Times revealed that it showed Putin's response to 'Web'.

Putin's disappointment at the Ukrainian attack

According to expert Mark Galeotti, Vladimir Putin was extremely surprised by the Ukrainian attack. The Russian leader cannot come to terms with the fact that the Ukrainians, in his view, a 'weaker' opponent, were able not only to withstand but also to exploit his own weaknesses following the debacle of operation 'Web'.

'While ordinary nationalist screamers immediately demanded brutal revenge for the operation 'Web', some more sober commentators quietly suggested that Moscow should not allow Kyiv to dictate its strategy — and also raised the question of what could be done in this situation,' emphasized Galeotti.

Mark Galeotti noted that in the past, Putin had repeatedly found a way out of difficult situations, but this time the Ukrainian attack disrupted his usual algorithm of actions.

Results of the Ukrainian response

After the blitz attack on Thursday, the Ukrainian response, which resulted in the deaths of three people and the destruction of buildings, again demonstrated Putin's limitations. This was not the largest strike from Ukraine throughout the conflict.

The Ukrainians continue to resist the Russian invasion, and although the situation is tense, the Ukrainian side is not retreating at the moment. But Putin, who finds himself in a difficult situation, is looking for an effective response to Ukraine's actions.

After the unexpected Ukrainian attack, Putin is forced to accept the reality that a 'weaker' opponent can not only withstand but also successfully counterattack. This puts the President of Russia in a difficult situation where it is hard to find a way out both psychologically and strategically.