Deep inside the Kremlin, discontent with Vladimir Putin is reaching a breaking point as the war against Ukraine drags on, causing economic instability and severe social isolation. According to The Guardian, sources close to the Kremlin suggest that the mood among the elite has shifted from cautious skepticism to a visceral sense of impending catastrophe. Despite the gravity of the situation, Putin remains trapped in an alternative reality, fueled by optimistic briefings from military officials who carefully filter out bad news.
Leading figures in Russia’s political and business spheres, including those linked to the presidential administration, have attempted to push for a more pragmatic approach, particularly regarding the draconian internet restrictions and the growing influence of the FSB. However, these efforts have been met with total indifference from the top. The business elite, represented by voices like Oleg Tinkov, remain paralyzed by fear, choosing to wait out the inevitable decline of the regime rather than risking direct opposition.
Putin’s fixation on capturing the Donbas, coupled with a desire to consolidate control over occupied Ukrainian regions, continues to override the urgent need for economic stabilization. European intelligence officials have noted that while the Russian elite is acutely aware of the failures on the frontline and in the economy, they currently lack a coherent strategy or the political courage to break away. The regime is suffering from a structural paralysis: the more it relies on repression and state-controlled narratives, the more disconnected it becomes from the reality of its own failing systems. The war, which was meant to demonstrate Russian strength, is instead acting as a corrosive agent, slowly dismantling the foundation of the state from within. As the elite watches in silence, the question remains whether this silent discontent will eventually transform into a more active struggle for power or if the current administration will drive the country into a total socio-economic collapse.