Could the Kremlin turn on Vladimir Putin? Expert says Russian officials jostling for his position

Vladimir Putin has faced a lot of heat over the last few months: he is said to be unwell and using a body double to cover up his fragile health; his own military officers have revealed Russia is failing; and reports have claimed that he will likely lose the annexed Crimea peninsula before Christmas.

‘Widespread view’ that Putin is failing

Australian National University Associate Professor Mathew Sussex has stated that there is a ‘widespread’ view that Putin is failing in his war against Ukraine and therefore in his Presidency.

…Putin has completely failed in terms of this war, that he has failed in terms of the timescale, failed in terms of how he assessed the competence of the Russian military and has just failed in terms of the objectives

Putin to be replaced?

Professor Sussex has suggested that there is an air of frustration and competition behind the scenes in Russian politics. He has described it as ‘jockeying’ amongst Putin’s officials:

There is a concern in Moscow that if he has got this wrong, then maybe it is time to think about a change.

So, will Putin really be replaced? According to this expert, it would take another large hit to Russia ‘such as the Ukrainians achieving a breakthrough in Russian-held Ukraine’ that would put enough pressure on the Kremlin for action to be taken.

Learn more here about who could potentially replace Putin if this were to happen.

Read more:Vladimir Putin's frightening new tactic is a warning to pro-Ukraine countries

Does Putin know he is being challenged?

Footage has emerged of Putin visiting a military headquarters located around 80 miles from the Ukrainian border. He steps out of a dark SUV, looking ‘wary and lacking in status signals’, according to body language expert Judi James.

Express reports that he was there to meet with General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff, in an effort to portray himself as a President in control.

Read more:

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⋙ Vladimir Putin could face another coup from Wagner chief within six months, expert predicts

Sources used:

Express: Vladimir Putin 'not safe' in Kremlin as top brass turn on him after 'complete failure'