There is ‘growing discontent’ amongst Russians amid a collapsing economy and many do not understand what is the purpose of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine which could see him overthrown.
Political elites in Russia have seen their “fortunes decimated” with their “lifestyles turned up side down and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned the economy is on track to contract by 6% this year.
The contraction within the economy has affected the standard of living for Russians which could see Putin being toppled as anger is erupting.
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The Anti-Corruption Foundation executive director and long-time friend of Putin’s number one opponent Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Ashurkov warned that there discontent amongst many Russian.
He was asked by Times Radio if there is any way Putin could be toppled, Ashurkov replied, “Even though it’s difficult to raise, it’s dangerous for people in Russia to raise their voice against the war.
“People are not happy.
“The business and political elites have seen their lifestyles turned upside down, their fortunes decimated.
“The average person has seen rampant inflation. They’ve seen the deterioration of standards of living.
“Familiar Western brands McDonald’s, Ikea, Nestlé all leaving the country.”
“And people don’t understand what this war is really for,” Ashurkov added.
“It was really uncalled for, unprovoked.
“So, you don’t see any visible signs but the discontent is growing and I see that this war has made Putin regime more fragile rather than more strong.”
Putin is also facing questions over the Ukrainian invasion as there has been a series of attacks in Russia and in Crimea raising serious concerns over Moscow’s air defences.
As a direct result of the attacks which has repeatedly struck areas surrounding popular holiday destinations to the horror of Russian holidaymakers, this is making it “much more difficult” for him to “sell the war” to his citizens.
BBC’s Ukraine Correspondent James Waterhouse reported, that this “also sends a message and makes it more difficult for Russia to sell this war within its own country.
“This has been 11 days which has seen Crimea destabilised in a way few predicted.”
