Frustration with Putin is growing among Russian elites due to the war and economic crisis - The Guardian
Kyiv • UNN
Dissatisfaction is growing in Russia's political and business circles over the dictator's isolation and inflation. Despite this, Putin plans to seize Donbas by the end of the year.
Dissatisfaction with Vladimir Putin is growing in Russian political and business circles due to the protracted war against Ukraine and the deteriorating economic situation in the Russian Federation. This was reported by The Guardian, citing sources close to the Kremlin, representatives of Russian business, and Western intelligence services, according to UNN.
Details
According to the publication, the Russian elite is increasingly talking about Putin's isolation and a loss of confidence in him.
"There has definitely been a change in mood among the elites this year. There is deep disillusionment with Putin,"
Another source noted that people who previously openly supported the head of the Kremlin are now avoiding defending him.
Putin is not abandoning plans for Donbas
Despite internal dissatisfaction, Putin, according to the publication's interlocutors, does not plan to wind down the war. The Guardian's sources claim that he is still convinced of the possibility of a full seizure of Donbas by the end of the year.
"Putin is fixated on Donbas, and he will not stop before achieving this,"
The Guardian also writes about growing discontent within the Russian Federation due to internet restrictions, the blocking of messaging apps, inflation, and tax increases. Journalist Ksenia Sobchak told the publication that problems with network access have caused strong public outrage, and Russian authorities may block most Western social networks as early as next year.