WALLS ARE CLOSING IN AROUND PUTIN … OLIGARCHS TURN AGAINST THE WAR

What happened: A commentary piece says Putin's political rivals on both sides are turning against him and the war in Ukraine, citing a communist party leader's public criticism and oligarchs moving money abroad. Key numbers: Russian billionaires rose 50 percent since the war began, holding $700 billion collectively. Basic vegetable prices rose up to 40 percent. The war costs about $680 million per day. Why it matters: The piece argues Putin is trying to balance between elites and society, and that as criticism increases he nears a tipping point.

A commentary piece says Putin's political rivals on both sides are turning against him and the war in Ukraine, citing a communist party leader's public criticism and oligarchs moving money abroad.

The piece argues Putin is trying to balance between elites and society, and that as criticism increases he nears a tipping point.