Photo: EPA
Russian President Vladimir Putin is entering what many insiders describe as the most difficult period of his rule, according to a report by The Guardian.
Journalists spoke with people close to the Kremlin, Russian business figures, and Western intelligence sources, who described a bleak picture for the Russian leader. According to the report, Putin is becoming increasingly isolated, while frustration among Russia’s elites is growing over both the war in Ukraine and the country’s worsening economic situation.
“There has definitely been a shift in mood among the elites this year… there is deep disappointment with Putin. There’s a growing feeling that some kind of catastrophe is approaching,” one Russian businessman told the newspaper.
Sources said that while the Russian system is not on the verge of collapse, many insiders increasingly see the Kremlin making “self-destructive” decisions. Some people who once defended Putin are now reportedly distancing themselves from him.
Despite mounting criticism, economic pressure, and declining public confidence, intelligence officials and sources familiar with Kremlin discussions told The Guardian that Putin has no intention of stopping the war. According to the report, he remains convinced Russia can fully seize the Donbas region by the end of the year.
“Putin is obsessed with Donbas, and he won’t stop until he gets it,” one source said.
At the same time, military analysts cited in the article argue that, at the current pace of Russian advances, capturing the entire Donbas could still take years. One source familiar with Kremlin discussions claimed Russian generals are presenting overly optimistic reports to Putin.
“They are lying to him. That’s how the system Putin built works,” the source said.
The report also says the Kremlin has largely lost hope that Donald Trump could pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions, including over Donbas.
Growing dissatisfaction inside Russia has also reportedly been fueled by internet restrictions and increasing censorship. According to insiders, even members of Moscow’s elite have started joking that Russia is beginning to resemble North Korea in terms of online control and isolation.
“Everyone talks about the internet at the dinner table now. We’re getting closer to North Korea,” a Kremlin insider reportedly said.
Despite rising frustration among both elites and ordinary citizens, analysts quoted by The Guardian believe any serious threat to Putin’s rule would likely come from within his inner circle rather than from public protests. At the same time, sources expressed skepticism that prominent figures such as former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu would challenge Putin directly.
The article concludes that many Russian elites privately fear the direction the country is heading, but few appear willing to openly confront the Kremlin or discuss possible alternatives.
