Putin's health worse than his regime, but his exit won't change a thing, Ukraine's Intelligence says

"Their system is fairly strong… Putin's health is worse than his system, but with the departure of the leader of the Russian state, nothing will change there. They've built the system in such a way that the next successor will operate within that same paradigm. That's the bare minimum," Budanov said.

The interviewer reminded that back in 2022, the Operation Successor was being discussed in the information space. Budanov noted that Moscow is prepared for a possible change of leadership in the Kremlin, even if the candidates may shift over time.

"The fact that they change these candidates from time to time, different events unfold. But that's the whole problem: conceptually, everything is calculated. And a successor who, for whatever reason, comes to power now, for example, won't change a thing. Everything will move in exactly the same direction as before," Budanov stated.

As an example, the Head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence cited the totalitarian regime in North Korea, which has remained intact since the 1950s. Pyongyang systematically prepares its successors.

"In Russia, an entire class of people has grown up who were born under President Putin, live under President Putin, and, in fact, many have already died under him. And they can't imagine life any other way. That's why, unfortunately for us, the system there is quite stable," Budanov added.

Rumors about Putin's illness

The rumors of the Russian President's alleged serious illness have circulated for a long time. There are constant reports online that Putin supposedly avoids public appearances, and doubles are used in his place.

The Head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, previously stated that Putin is terminally ill.

At the same time, the Chief of Defense Intelligence noted that Putin has no fewer than three body doubles, who have undergone plastic surgery to more closely resemble him.