Many Russians are turning against Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, with some privately fearing he could trigger a nuclear conflict, according to a journalist who fled the country.
Alexandra Prokopenko, a former journalist who left Russia for Germany when the war broke out in 2022, said much of the population is desperately trying to avoid military conscription. The invasion and its impact on the economy have turned Russians against Putin, with some branding him a "fool" who has gone "nuts", while others fear a nuclear war is close.
Growing discontent inside Russia
"People are so unhappy with the war that they have started talking about their unhappiness," Prokopenko said. The revelation is significant, as Putin rules with an iron fist, children are reportedly brainwashed daily at school to support the war, and anyone who speaks out can face prison or be branded a "foreign agent".
Some still support Putin, but Prokopenko claims this tends to be the elite who profit from the war. However, even that is changing due to Ukraine's bombardment of Russia in recent months, with oil refineries and warehouses frequently seen up in smoke.
Economy in a 'death zone'
The situation has left the economy in a "death zone", a metaphor for mountaineers at high altitude where the body consumes its own tissue and cannot recover, Prokopenko told The i. The process could lead to "a very slow erosion of the regime" or a "big kaboom", she said.
Prokopenko also highlighted Putin's age as a factor. The dictator, who has ruled for 26 years, is now 73. Recent sightings have sparked claims of deteriorating health, including rambling speeches and "shaking hands". "All dictators are mortal," she said. "Putin is 73. Of course, he could reign for the next 10 years, but we are also one stroke from another future."
Prokopenko has written about her experiences in her book From Sovereigns to Servants: How the War Against Ukraine Reshaped Russia's Elite, which is out now.
It comes as retired four-star general Curtis Scaparrotti, who previously commanded US forces in Europe, warned Russia is already at war with Nato. He said there was a long-term strategy behind the Kremlin's "spurious activities" targeting member nations, including breaking Nato.
