The Russian president is becoming « more and more toxic » within Russia, said Ukrainian intelligence official Andriy Yusov.
The Kremlin is searching for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s replacement amid growing dissatisfaction with the Ukraine war, according to a Ukrainian intelligence official.
Putin launched his « special military operation » on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, aiming for a quick victory against the Eastern European country, which at the time was perceived to have a much weaker military. However, Kyiv’s stronger-than-expected defense, which has been bolstered by Western military aid, blunted Russian military gains.
After more than a year of combat, Russia’s invasion continues to stagnate, with Ukraine retaking thousands of square miles of formerly occupied territory last fall. Fighting remains concentrated in the most eastern part of the country, where Russia’s attempt to take control of Bakhmut have slowed in recent days.
Russia has generally stood behind Putin throughout the war, though there have been signs that some individuals have grown weary of it amid mounting losses.
