War and economic pressure spark frustration among Putin's allies — The Guardian

Elite disillusionment

The media spoke with people close to Putin, sources in Russian business circles, and Western intelligence officials. They describe an isolated leader surrounded by an elite that is losing faith in him.

"There's definitely been a shift in mood among the elites this year. There is profound disappointment in Putin," one business leader told The Guardian.

He indicates a growing sense that "some kind of catastrophe is looming." Another source noted that people who previously defended Putin no longer do so.

Why Putin continues warring

Despite internal problems, Putin's approach to the war has not changed. According to two sources with access to the president, he has made it clear to his inner circle that Moscow could allegedly capture the entire Donbas region by the end of the year.

"Putin is fixated on Donbas and he will not stop before that," an interlocutor said.

A Ukrainian intelligence official said that Russian generals have convinced Putin of the possibility of capturing Donbas by the end of the year.

"Fabricated reports are being fed up the chain of command, claiming victory is imminent," he said.

Military analysts say that at the current rate of Russian advance, it could take years to fully seize Donbas.

According to the outlet, another factor behind Putin's determination is that he has lost faith in US President Donald Trump's ability to compel Kyiv to make territorial concessions.

Sources cited by The Guardian say that early optimism in Moscow about Trump's mediation "has largely evaporated."

Growing domestic discontent

The media also indicates rising dissatisfaction inside Russia. In early 2026, the Kremlin banned or restricted most messaging apps, leaving only a state-backed alternative available, while mobile internet in Moscow and other regions has been intermittently shut down.

Authorities justified the restrictions as security measures due to Ukrainian drone attacks. Russians have also faced higher taxes and inflation this year.

Journalist Ksenia Sobchak told the media outlet that Internet problems have become a painful issue for Russian society and have triggered public outrage. She said the authorities could go further and block all Western social media platforms next year.

Coup scenario possible?

At the same time, most analysts believe that any real threat to the regime, if it emerges, would come from Putin's inner circle rather than the streets.

Rumors of a possible coup inside the Kremlin are largely described by many sources as exaggerated.

Earlier, reports emerged stating that dissatisfaction with the Kremlin is growing within Russian elites and society due to everyday problems and economic decline.

The head of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service earlier stated that time is no longer on Putin's side and that the situation on the front has reached a stalemate. In December 2025, Putin also claimed that Russia would seize Donbas "by any means," either militarily or not.