Another former spy is slated as successor
The Russian elite are reportedly planning a coup against Putin, with an insider saying they have already identified a successor after they poison their current leader.
According to the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, a band of “influential Russian elite” are planning to remove Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcement was made via Facebook on March 20.
Intelligence officials claim the elite are frustrated with the war and the subsequent effect it has had on the Russian economy, reports The Mirror. The Ukrainian intelligence further alleges that Putin’s replacement is FSB director Oleksandr Bortnikov.
Putin and Bortnikov have worked alongside each other for years, having initially risen through the ranks of the KGB together. Bortnikov would then take control of the KGB, rebranding it as the FSB where he currently resides as top dog.
Why are they allegedly looking to remove Putin?
Western sanctions have crippled the Russian economy, with reports suggesting they will suffer the biggest hit since the Cold War. Over the weekend, Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman spoke on the dramatic drop in his net worth, which fell from £7.7bn to £3.4bn.
Aside from the monumental money issue in Russia, Putin’s antics are also driving a wedge between him and his surrounding support. The president has already sacked eight generals in a bid to shift the blame, while also ranting about “traitors” and “scum” who are disloyal to Russia.
It’s also believed that Russian diplomats could be offered sanctuary in the west if they publicly denounce Putin.
Why Bortnikov?
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the 70-year-old spy is believed to be the best chance at rebuilding a relationship with the west.
Bortnikov has also recently fallen out of favour with Putin, largely due to the fumbled invasion. Russian security council deputy head Dmitry Medvedev already fired FSB deputy Vyacheslav Ushakov for intelligence mistakes that led directly to the invasion.
It’s believed that Bortnikov suggested the sacking of Ushakov, which has again created tension for Putin.
A Ukrainian source explained: “It is noteworthy that Bortnikov has recently been disgraced by the Russian dictator.
“The official reason for the disgrace of the FSB leader – fatal miscalculations in the war against Ukraine.
“Bortnikov and his department were responsible for analysing the mood of Ukraine and the ability of the Ukrainian army.”
Who better to take over than the man slowly falling out of favour with his bestie?
But Bortnikov’s better than Putin, right?
Invading Ukraine aside, Bortnikov has been at the forefront of major political moves since his days in the KGB. In February 2007, Russian magazine The New Times reported that Bortnikov had “allegedly been appointed overseer” in murdering FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko.
Numerous corruption, fraud and murder allegations are also under Bortnikov’s belt.
Are the rumours justified?
Speaking to The Mirror, a source explained: “These rumours and suspicions within the Moscow inner-circle will sow the seeds of paranoia and doubt in the leadership.
“There is no doubt that as the Russian elite feel the pinch of sanctions that they will be looking at the future with an eye on what a catastrophe this war is for them – and it’s going to get worse.
“There is a significant suspicion that a small number of people might actually now try to get rid of the Russian President but whether they will succeed remains to be seen.”
The source also cites the encouragement of assassination from the west, which saw figures like a former British army chief and US Senator Lindsey Graham call for Putin’s assassination.
The source continued: “Crucially, although Ukraine has suffered immensely from this invasion it has wrong-footed Russia’s military at every step, predicting their military moves and crippling their forces.
“It is very possible that somebody has been leaking information and given every bit of encouragement to do so – perhaps with an offer of a future in the west or even in Russia itself.”
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