‘There is profound disappointment in him’: mood in Russia turns against Putin

‘There is profound disappointment in him’: mood in Russia turns against Putin

There is profound disappointment in him - In the wake of escalating economic strain and mounting political pressure, Vladimir Putin’s grip on power appears to be loosening, according to insiders and analysts. Despite his persistent commitment to the war in Ukraine, a growing sense of unease is spreading across the Russian elite, with many expressing deepening frustration over the conflict’s trajectory and its impact on domestic stability. The atmosphere in Moscow, once characterized by unwavering support for the leader, now carries a palpable undercurrent of skepticism, reflecting a broader shift in public sentiment.

Putin’s Public Appearance and the Contradictory Narrative

On a quiet May morning, Putin was seen arriving at a central Moscow hotel in a domestically produced SUV, dressed in a casual ensemble of jeans and a light jacket. He carried a bouquet of flowers and walked into the lobby, where he greeted Vera Gurevich, a former schoolteacher, with a warm embrace. The moment, captured on camera, was carefully orchestrated to project an image of a grounded, accessible leader—unlike the tense scenes earlier in the week, when reports suggested he had retreated to a bunker to avoid assassination or a coup. This public display of normalcy was meant to counter the perception of vulnerability, but it also underscored the contrast between the leader’s optimism and the reality on the ground.

While the bunker rumors were dismissed as exaggerated, they highlighted the doubts surrounding Putin’s leadership. A recent visit to the Kremlin for dinner with Gurevich was a deliberate effort to reinforce his image as a leader connected to the everyday lives of Russians. Yet, the same people who once celebrated his policies now speak of a profound disillusionment. “There’s definitely been a shift in mood among the elites this year,” said a prominent business figure, adding that “a growing sense of catastrophe is looming.” This sentiment, though not universally shared, signals a significant departure from the earlier era of unshakable confidence.

Cracks in the System and the Leader’s Resolve

The erosion of trust is not limited to the public sphere. Within the Kremlin’s inner circle, conversations hint at a growing divide between Putin and those who question his strategic decisions. “No one believes everything will suddenly collapse tomorrow,” one source noted, but they concede that “utterly senseless, self-destructive choices are being made with increasing frequency.” Even supporters who once stood firmly behind him are now hesitant, with some openly admitting that “any sense of a future has disappeared.”

Despite these internal challenges, Putin’s resolve to continue the war in Ukraine remains unshaken. According to interviews with close associates and European intelligence officials, he has not wavered in his belief that Moscow can achieve a decisive victory in the Donbas region by year’s end. “Putin is fixated on Donbas and will not stop before that,” one insider revealed. This determination has led to a situation where military commanders are presenting optimistic assessments to the president, even as analysts warn of a slower-than-expected advance. “Fabricated reports are being fed up the chain of command, claiming victory is imminent,” a Ukrainian intelligence official said, pointing to the disconnect between battlefield realities and the narratives shared with the leader.

The recent Victory Day parade, scaled back due to fears of Ukrainian drone attacks, saw Putin make a notable remark that surprised many. He suggested the war was “coming to a close,” a statement that drew attention but was met with caution from those familiar with his mindset. “That remark should not be interpreted as a sign of compromise,” a senior European intelligence official said. Instead, it reflected his belief in an impending military breakthrough, even as the situation on the frontlines remains uncertain.

Economic Strain and a Diminished Public Image

Amid the war’s toll, Russia’s economy is struggling under the weight of sanctions, inflation, and declining oil prices. The pressure is evident in the changing behavior of pro-Kremlin voices, including bloggers who have traditionally been reluctant to criticize the president. “Even those who once defended Putin no longer do,” a source in the Russian business world said, indicating a broader shift in public opinion. “The approval ratings are slipping, and the economic downturn is forcing a reevaluation of his priorities.”

The challenge for Putin is not only internal but also external. His reliance on Donald Trump to pressure Kyiv into a territorial deal has been questioned, with some analysts suggesting the former U.S. president’s influence has waned. “There was widespread optimism in Moscow that Trump could deliver the Donbas after his election,” one source close to the Kremlin said. “But that hope has largely evaporated.” While Trump continues to promote the idea of an end to the war, his ability to sway Moscow’s strategy remains in doubt.

The Battle for Donbas and the Uncertainty Ahead

Analysts are divided on the timeline for Russia’s military goals in Donbas. While the Kremlin projects a rapid advance, battlefield assessments suggest a more prolonged campaign. “At the current pace, capturing Donbas could take years,” said a military expert, highlighting the gap between optimistic reports and on-the-ground conditions. This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of information reaching Putin’s decision-makers. “Even if many around him understand the reality, we still don’t know what Putin himself grasps,” a European intelligence official noted, emphasizing the leader’s central role in shaping the narrative.

Putin’s steadfastness in the face of these challenges underscores his calculating approach to leadership. By maintaining a confident public persona, he aims to bolster morale and reassure both domestic and international audiences. Yet, the underlying tensions suggest a more complex picture. The combination of economic hardship, elite dissent, and the war’s uncertain outcome has created a crucible for Putin’s rule, testing his ability to navigate crises without compromising his vision. As the Donbas campaign continues, the question remains: how much of Putin’s resolve is genuine, and how much is a product of the system he has built to sustain his image?