After Vladimir Putin first invaded Ukraine there were abandoned tanks and military vehicles with food rations five and six years beyond their expiration date. A 40-mile caravan stood in its own traffic jam with tires so old they rotted as the Russian soldiers drove. Between these embarrassing war losses and financial sanctions, powerful Russians are panicking.
Russian journalist Farida Rustamova has published a report detailing internal strife amongst Putin officials and members of Parliament. She reported that they are “discouraged, frightened, and are making apocalyptic forecasts:”
‘In reality, the attitude toward the war within the corridors of power is ambiguous. I came to this conclusion after speaking with several members of parliament and officials at various levels. Many of them are discouraged, frightened, and are making apocalyptic forecasts.’
Rustamova wrote about one of her sources close to the Kremlin, according to The Business Insider:
‘No one is rejoicing. Many understand that this is a mistake, but in the course of doing their duty they come up with explanations in order to somehow come to terms with it.’
She added that there were “some officials” who are “viewing Putin’s decision as a historical choice.” And one “no one will understand for some time:”
‘Some officials aren’t associating themselves with what’s happening at all, viewing Putin’s decision as a historical choice over which they have no influence, and the meaning of which no one will understand for some time to come.’
Another source spoke on the condition of anonymity about Kremlin officials. They are “carefully enunciating the word clusterf*ck” when describing the invasion.
One of her sources near the Kremlin told her:
‘Everyone had some scattered information that did not provide an answer to the main question: will we start bombing or not?’
Rustamova detailed how Putin has been paranoid about what information comes to him or from him. They are a very “close circle of advisors:”
‘Most likely, my sources say, only the narrowest circle had been informed: Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, and the leaders of the counterintelligence service. For example, the head of the presidential administration Anton Vaino, whose role, unlike his more influential predecessors, is more akin to a private secretary, is not informed about such decisions, my sources say.’
A third source was “a good acquaintance of Putin. This one indicated that “the Russian president’s mood has become worse:”
‘Here he is in a state of being offended and insulted. It’s paranoia that has reached the point of absurdity.’
At the same time, President Zelensksyy noted the Russian military was “tired” and “demoralized:”
‘Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces attacking his country were “tired” and “demoralized.” He said his country would take “victory” in the war with Russia. And the government of Ukraine is already working on how to restore our state.’
Maybe these officials have some influence over Putin and can put some sanity into the affair.
Three White Lions is Gloria Christie’s new serialized book available in episodes on Amazon. Go to Kindle Vella and insert her name. She also writes for the liberal online newspaper The Bipartisan Report. Gloria Christie Report her newsletter for people on the go. Written in her own unique style with a twist of humor in a briefer version of Bipartisan Report. Christie’s Mueller Report Adventures In Bite-Sizes a real-life compelling spy mystery. Find her here on Facebook.
