Putin's inner circle is actually characterized by unconditional loyalty. However, a confidant is said to have personally criticized the Russian ruler for his actions in Ukraine criticism. The US secret service sees this as a sign of tension in the Moscow power center.
A member of Vladimir Putin's inner circle is said to have approached the Russian president directly in recent weeks to criticize his actions in the Ukraine war. The Washington Post reports, citing US President Joe Biden's daily intelligence briefing. The unnamed member of the Kremlin's leadership team openly confronted Putin with military mistakes in Ukraine.
The direct criticism is a clear indication of unrest within the Russian ruling elite, in which Putin is more isolated than at any time since he came to power. "Since the beginning of the occupation, we have observed a growing concern in Putin's inner circle," a Western intelligence official was quoted as saying. "Our assessments indicate that they are particularly troubled by recent Russian casualties, misguided direction, and significant military shortcomings."
A second senior official said the internal tensions were "consistent with the course of the campaign for the Russians and the atmosphere in the Kremlin." The mobilization ordered by Putin had obviously raised concerns in Russia. Hundreds of thousands of military-age men have fled the country in fear of being drafted.
The unexpectedly long duration of the war and the associated lack of a Russian victory could shake Putin's unlimited power, US intelligence officials said, according to the newspaper. However, there are no signs that the Russian ruler could be overthrown, the source stressed.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged disagreements before important decisions such as mobilization. "There are differences of opinion at such moments. Some think we should act differently," Peskow told the Washington Post. There are controversies about the economy and "about the implementation of the military operation". But that is "part of the normal work process and not a sign of division". He described the US intelligence service's report on direct criticism of Putin from the inner circle as "absolutely not true".
Putin has gathered a small number of trusted people and advisers. These are mainly former KGB colleagues and people he knows from his time as deputy mayor of St. Petersburg in the 1990s.
