Many members of the Russian elite are increasingly distrustful of Vladimir Putin’s ability to win the war in Ukraine, according to Bloomberg. Their only hope at the moment is that the situation at the front becomes a frozen conflict or a defeat from which Russia does not emerge humiliated.
Despite pessimism spreading among Russian oligarchs, Putin is showing no signs of wanting to end hostilities in Ukraine, according to a Bloomberg report, which said many in the political and economic elite are tired of the war and want the fighting to stop. finish as soon as possible.
Five sources cited by Bloomberg say no one dares to stand up to Putin over the invasion of Ukraine, but confidence in the Russian president’s authority has been shaken.
“It’s really surprising how widespread the idea has become among the Russian elite that there’s a chance that Putin can’t win the war,” said Kiril Rogov, a former government adviser who left the country after the invasion began.
It’s unclear what a victory for Russia might look like at this point, but two of Bloomberg’s sources said they hope Putin will try to claim a “Pirus victory” based on the territories in Ukraine that the Russians already hold.
Alexandra Prokopenko, a former Russian journalist and banking adviser, said “the best I can hope for is for Russia to lose without being humiliated.”
Many of Russia’s top businessmen and economists were targeted by Western sanctions after Putin launched the invasion. But according to an April study by the think tank The Wilson Center, Russia’s elite show no sign that they would consider opposing Putin, despite the high price they have paid for loyalty to the Russian president. .
“It is clear that Russia’s wealthiest individuals, who built their fortunes by collaborating with and supporting the government, are unwilling or unable to stand up to Putin despite their considerable wealth, connections and resources,” according to the report.
Experts told Insider that Putin’s authority will be severely tested if Russia loses the war and Russian troops are forced to leave Ukrainian territory.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, for his part, said that he is certain that the Russian army will suffer massive losses on the battlefield and that the Russian Federation will lose not only the territories it occupied in Ukraine, but also parts within the country’s borders. For the military’s failures, Russian generals will be put in front of the firing squad, according to mercenary chief Wagner.
Russia initially expected a quick victory in Ukraine, but the war has descended into a prolonged stalemate that has caused huge costs to the Russian military and economy.
Editor: Raul Nețoiu
