Vladimir Putin is reportedly facing internal opposition from Russia’s upper class. According to reports originating from Estonia, a potential power struggle labeled as ‘Operation Twilight’ is looming as economic, political, and military figures turn against Putin to safeguard their own assets. There are suggestions that Putin’s demise could be fabricated while he is compelled into permanent seclusion.
Analysts indicate that Putin is currently in a precarious position as discontent rises among supporters of his administration. Russian dissident Igor Eidman expressed to The Sun that, for the first time in years, the interests of the ruling elite are fundamentally at odds with those of the dictator.
For years, oligarchs and business moguls have been instrumental in maintaining Putin’s authority in Russia. Nonetheless, the nation’s wealthiest individuals have experienced significant financial losses since the conflict in Ukraine and subsequent economic penalties.
Prominent Russian political activist Maksim Kalashnikov has publicly acknowledged the elite’s shift away from Putin. He stated, “Our ruling class now views the current top leadership as a hazardous presence – not an asset, but a burden.”
Russia’s defense expenditure reached £144 billion in 2025 due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin has resorted to soliciting donations from the country’s affluent to sustain the military operations.
Eidman commented, “They previously enjoyed affluent, stress-free lives. Now, they are constantly under pressure. There is a continual fiscal deficit, and they are under duress to provide additional financial support.”
Many now perceive the war as being at a stalemate. Grigory Kubatyan, a war correspondent for Putin’s favored newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, has acknowledged the shortcomings of Russia’s extensive army and emphasized the necessity for peace negotiations to resolve the conflict.
“The war must either be won or concluded to preserve lives,” Kubatyan highlighted. “Over the past four years, we have not been able or willing to achieve victory. Therefore, we must engage in negotiations. Prolonged warfare is impractical. Our soldiers on the front lines are valiant, but they too are human and require respite.”
