Even top propagandist Simonyan has expressed doubts: the Russian elite no longer believes in Putin’s victory

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Disillusionment about the prospects of victory in Ukraine is growing among the Russian elite and propagandists. Now even a longtime member of the Kremlin establishment has expressed doubts about the chances of victory. Margarita Simonyan, 43, head of Russia’s state broadcaster RT and one of Putin’s best propagandists, has proposed “freezing” the war in Ukraine. A freeze on hostilities is Russia’s best way out of a conflict in which modern Western weapons are putting increasing pressure on Moscow.

Simonyan no longer calls for all-out war against Ukraine. On primetime television, she spoke out in favor of a negotiated settlement and cessation of hostilities, as reported by The Telegraph. In addition, Russia should organize referenda in the conquered territories.

“It would be good to stop the bloodshed now, stay where we are, freeze it and hold referendums,” Simonyan said on ultranationalist Vladimir Solovyov’s (59) talk show during prime time on Rossiya 1. “We have areas need people not want to live with us? I’m not sure.”

Widespread disillusionment

Simonyan’s surprising statements immediately sparked protests among Russian hardliners. “Who pays them?” asked a well-known columnist. Such proposals are “a godsend for Western strategists”. Others called for Simonyan’s resignation.

The propagandist is far from alone in her disappointment. Members of the Russian elite are also increasingly turning against the war in the former Soviet sister state. The best they can hope for is defeat without humiliation, Bloomberg reports. “Many in the political and business elite are tired of the war and want it to end.”

At the highest levels in Russia, doubts are growing whether their president Vladimir Putin (70) is able to change course in the war in Ukraine. The best prospects are a “frozen” conflict or a defeat that does not humiliate Russia.

Fear of Putin

“Bloomberg” counts on seven people who are familiar with the situation and who, given the seriousness of the problems, do not want to be named. According to him, many in the upper echelons of Russian politics and business are tired of the war and want to end it. Five sources told Bloomberg that while no one is ready to “resist” Putin’s invasion, belief in his authority has already been shaken to the core.

The “thought is now widespread among the Russian elite that Putin will not win this war,” the report quotes former Russian government adviser Kirill Rogov, who left the country after the Russian invasion and now heads a political think tank in Vienna.

It is “clear,” Bloomberg said, “that the wealthiest people in Russia, who have made their fortunes by cooperating with and supporting the government, are unwilling or unable to oppose Putin, despite their considerable wealth, connections and resources.”

Will a major offensive herald Putin’s downfall?

Domestic and foreign observers seem to agree that Putin’s power is most likely to falter when Russia loses the war and Russian troops are driven out of Ukraine.

Putin originally promised a quick victory in Ukraine. But the “military special operation” has turned into a protracted standoff, with huge costs for the Russian military, economy and society.

The Russians currently control large areas of southeastern and eastern Ukraine. A major offensive by Kiev this summer is trying to push Russian troops back from the conquered areas. (kes)

Source: Blick