The Ukrainian “Ghost of Kyiv” has turned real as drones pierce Moscow’s defenses. Meanwhile, the reality of Crimea’s eventual liberation is starting to set in on Putin.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s forces are closer to planting their country’s blue and yellow flag again in Crimea than Putin ever was of planting Russia’s white, blue and red flag in Kyiv. Zelensky and his generals are proving to be masters at turning the screw and are doing so militarily, diplomatically, and psychologically.

Much has been made of Ukraine’s ghosts: the aerial legend of the “Ghost of Kyiv” and the very real snipers known as the “Ghosts of Bakhmut.” Now, Putin’s Ukrainian ghosts are becoming all too real and their cumulative devastating effect on Russian morale is impacting all levels of his regime.