Speculation about Russian President Vladimir Putin's grip on power intensifies as a leading Kremlin investigator, Christo Grozez from Bellingcat, suggests a potential second coup is on the horizon.
Grozez's earlier prediction of Yevgeny Prigozhin's coup attempt proved accurate, and he now points to Prigozhin's possible involvement in a second coup against the Kremlin within the next six months, as per Express.
Investigator's Warning Fuels Debate Over Putin's Authority
Bellingcat, known for exposing various Russian plots during the Ukraine war, offers insights into the political landscape that extend beyond the official narrative.
The failed revolt attempt by Prigozhin's forces on June 23 ended amid a Belarus-brokered truce, but Grozez believes that Prigozhin's relationship with Putin remains strained.
While Putin referred to Prigozhin as a traitor on TV, Grozez highlights that Putin's restraint in taking drastic measures against him could indicate a more sinister intent.
Grozez suggests that Prigozhin might not survive the next six months, or alternatively, another coup attempt might unfold.
Grozez asserts that the potential for a second coup lies with discontented elites, particularly those unsatisfied with the state of the Ukraine conflict.
He notes that a "reversal of fortunes on the frontline" could spark such an upheaval.
The investigator acknowledges the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that much of the elite, apart from the military-industrial complex, sees little sense in continuing the war.
However, the prisoner's dilemma prevents many from speaking out or making the first move. Amid these uncertainties, a mysterious fire blazed near Putin's official residence, sparking questions about its origins.
The fire erupted at a storehouse in Odintsovo, a few miles from Putin's presidential estate. Despite the blaze's magnitude, no official word on its cause has been issued by Ukraine or Russia.
While the possibility of a drone strike has been floated, details remain elusive. This incident coincides with heightened tensions involving drones. Moscow's Vnukovo and Kaluga airports temporarily closed due to suspected drone flights, later reopening.
A Ukrainian drone was reportedly shot down over Moscow, but conflicting accounts emerged, suggesting that a drone either crashed or was jammed, New York Post reported.
Rising Tensions and Growing Paranoia
Meanwhile, Putin's security forces have escalated the arrest of suspected "traitors" on charges of treason. A staggering 82 treason cases have been recorded in 2023 alone, according to independent Russian outlet Kholod.
These figures, likely underestimated due to secret cases held by the FSB security service, evoke concerns about a growing paranoia reminiscent of the Stalin era.
Previously, individuals in defense enterprises, military roles, and those with access to state secrets were at risk of being labeled traitors.
However, the criteria have broadened considerably, with individuals even facing accusations for social media activities.
Lawyer Yevgeny Smirnov, from human rights project Department One, highlights the lack of transparency surrounding state secrets, contributing to the arbitrary nature of treason charges.
Amid these complex dynamics, Putin's grip on power appears to waver, sparking discussions about potential shifts in the country's leadership and a broader reassessment of Russia's trajectory, according to Daily Mail.