Rumors are circulating in Moscow that a number of former generals and KGB officials are preparing to oust Russian President Vladimir Putin and plan to end the war in Ukraine, which is increasingly seen throughout Russia as a mistake. strategic and, above all, an economic disaster.
The head of Putin's former employer, the Russian security service, the FSB, is said to be so frustrated by the lack of military progress in Ukraine that he has contacted a number of generals and former military officials, according to various analysts and reports. of local media.
In particular, a group called Siloviki, made up of former FSB officers active in Russian politics, is said to be trying hard to replace Putin, along with former GRU, KGB and FSO officers. , other Russian intelligence units.
The idea that a coup may be imminent is further strengthened by the activity of social media throughout Russia and Eastern Europe, which have been overloaded in the last 24 hours, writes the British magazine "City AM", reports Gazeta Express.
Moreover, analysts, inside and outside Russia, say all signs indicate that Putin will face a coup very soon.
The Russian president is reportedly "very concerned" and has increased security in and around the Kremlin.
"Does it matter?" "It's very important," Russian security expert Andrei Soldatov told The Center for European Policy Analysis.
"The Russian president has been preparing for a coup for several weeks until he faced fierce criticism for his 'special operation' in Ukraine and he has cleared about 150 spies," Soldatov said.
Rumors are also circulating about Putin's health since the start of the war. In a number of videos, the Russian president is seen tired and irritated.