As Vladimir Putin calls for improving Russia’s air defenses, DW asks Russian expert and author Leon Aron if Ukraine’s ongoing attacks on Russian oil refineries are finally affecting the Russian leader’s grip on power.

[Video, 19 min.]

Ukraine’s growing drone strikes inside Russia hit oil infrastructure and force the scaling-down of public events, putting pressure on President Vladimir Putin.

But despite the economic strain, declining domestic popularity and military setbacks, Putin insists Russia is recovering and winning.

Experts say he still controls the narrative at home through propaganda and repression, but could mounting pressure eventually threaten his grip on power?