With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine now approaching its fourth week, President Vladimir Putin’s forces have exerted brutal force and destruction on the eastern European nation, forcing people to flee and making millions homeless.

Russia’s economy is now creaking under the immense weight of international sanctions and the costs of war, having largely failed to achieve major military victories in Ukraine. Close watchers of Moscow, and Putin, say there are increasing signs of desperation in Russia’s military campaign and siege tactics.

“I don’t think Russia can win,” Kurt Volker, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, told CNBC.