Putin's allies 'narrowing' as Kremlin see Russian President as 'toxic and start search for successor'
Putin's allies have reportedly started to hunt for his replacement more than a year after started the war in Ukraine
Reuters
Vladimir Putin is running out of time as his allies begin to hunt for his replacement more than a year after started the war in Ukraine, according to official intelligence.
The Russian President claimed he would take over Ukraine in just 72 hours when he first ordered the invasion in February last year.
However, more than 12 months on and the Russian public are growing tired of his battle.
Putin has lost around 700,000 soldiers with more than 70 per cent being so badly injured that they could no longer return to the front line.
President Putin claimed he would take over Ukraine in just 72 hours
Reuters
Official intelligence from Ukraine claims that Putin’s allies are looking to replace him.
It comes after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him and held the president responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine during the country’s invasion.
Moscow has denied all accusations that its armies have committed illegal acts while in battle against its closest neighbour.
According to Andriy Yusov, from Ukraine's military intelligence directorate: “The circle around Putin is narrowing.
“(He is becoming) more and more toxic.
“Within the Kremlin, there is more and more dissatisfaction with what is happening.
“There is an increasingly gloomy understanding of the prospects, specifically the geopolitical catastrophe of the Putin regime.
“Thus, the search for Putin's successor is already under way.”
Putin’s army is expected to face 'total collapse' by the end of the year
Reuters
The official made the comments on a Ukrainian news channel yesterday which were posted to Twitter and translated by Anton Geraschenko, an adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
The Russian President’s army is expected to face “total collapse” by the end of the year, according to a former US Army General.
Ben Hodges, who served as commanding general in the United States Army in Europe, tweeted: "Russia is being attrited at such a rate that they may collapse before the end of this year, assuming the West delivers in time what we've promised.
“War is a test of will and a test of logistics."