Is Putin right to be paranoid?

This episode of ABC News Daily examines Vladimir Putin's growing paranoia and the weakening of his grip on power, as revealed through the scaled-back 2026 Victory Day parade in Moscow. With Ukraine successfully launching drone and missile strikes deep into Russian territory—including a hit on a building in downtown Moscow—Putin canceled the traditional military parade, replacing it with pre-recorded videos of military hardware. The episode features Russia expert Matt Sussex, who argues that Putin’s actions signal not just strategic retreat but a psychological unraveling, driven by fear of assassination, coup, or battlefield failure. Despite Putin’s public calls for a ceasefire, Ukrainian President Zelensky responded with a sarcastic gesture—providing exact coordinates for Moscow, effectively taunting Russia. The discussion also highlights the economic toll on Russia: runaway inflation, 23% interest rates, and stagflation, compounded by 1.4 million casualties, including 400,000 deaths. While Putin remains in power, Sussex suggests this is the beginning of the end, with no orderly succession in sight and the possibility of a violent exit. The episode underscores how the war has eroded both Russia’s military and political stability, while undermining Putin’s once-untouchable image. Key takeaways include: Putin’s decision to cancel the parade reflects genuine fear, not just optics; Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside Russia signals a major shift in the war’s momentum; economic collapse in Russia is accelerating due to war costs and sanctions; Zelensky’s public taunt demonstrates Ukraine’s confidence and strategic assertiveness; and Putin’s inability to secure a peaceful exit or designate a successor suggests a potentially violent end to his rule. The episode concludes with a sobering reflection: the war has now lasted longer than the Soviet Union’s fight against Hitler, and Putin’s regime is showing unmistakable signs of decay.