Another Russian Leader Turns on Putin Amid Failures in Ukraine

A Russian paramilitary leader calls for Putin’s removal, citing failures in Ukraine and domestic issues.

At a Glance

Georgy Zakrevsky, head of Paladin PMC, calls for a coup against Vladimir Putin.
Zakrevsky cites military failures in Ukraine and domestic problems as reasons.
His dissent follows Ukraine’s successful reclaiming of territory.
This call echoes a previous failed coup attempt by Wagner Group’s Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Russian Paramilitary Leader Demands Putin’s Ouster

In a shocking turn of events, Georgy Zakrevsky, the leader of the paramilitary group Paladin, has publicly called for a coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zakrevsky, a former KGB and Soviet army veteran, cited substantial failures in Ukraine and numerous domestic issues as the primary reasons for his demand.

Zakrevsky’s call to arms comes in the wake of a successful Ukrainian campaign that has reclaimed approximately 800 square miles of territory. This military setback for Russia has exposed vulnerabilities in Putin’s leadership and strategy, leading to growing discontent within certain Russian factions.

A Scathing Critique of Putin’s Russia

In a widely distributed video, Zakrevsky painted a grim picture of Russia’s current state. He highlighted the country’s military shortcomings, economic struggles, and social issues, placing the blame squarely on Putin’s shoulders.

“Our country is not just on the brink of disaster or already right next to it; our country is already in trouble. In big trouble. Drones are flying all over central Russia, right up to Moscow and St. Petersburg. They even attacked the Kremlin. Our Black Sea fleet is being pushed out. It’s being pushed out as if we were not a great power with a great fleet, but some third-rate country. Our air force is practically not working because it is also being pushed out. We are standing in the same positions that we took more than two years ago, and partly in those to which we retreated. The population is dying out, becoming impoverished, drinking itself to death: no one cares. All they have time to do is bring in migrants.” – Georgy Zakrevsky

Zakrevsky’s criticism extends beyond military failures to encompass broader societal issues, including population decline, poverty, and alcoholism. He also expressed concern over the influx of migrants, a sentiment that resonates with many conservative Russians.

Echoes of Past Dissent

This call for Putin’s removal is reminiscent of the failed coup attempt by Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner private military company, just over a year ago. Prigozhin’s revolt, which ended abruptly, highlighted the potential fractures within Russia’s power structures.

Zakrevsky’s dissent, coming from a figure with ties to Russian power structures, signals a potentially wider discontent among the country’s military class. His appeal is particularly directed at soldiers on the Ukrainian front, drawing parallels to military desertions that led to the fall of the czar in 1917.

Implications for Putin’s Regime

While Zakrevsky’s political views largely align with Putin’s imperialistic stance, his public criticism poses a significant threat to the Kremlin’s authority. The widespread distribution of his video among the Russian army could potentially sow seeds of doubt and unrest within military ranks.

As Ukraine continues to make territorial gains, with reports suggesting control over 1250 square kilometers of previously Russian-held land, the pressure on Putin’s leadership is likely to intensify. The coming weeks may prove crucial in determining whether Zakrevsky’s call for a coup gains traction or fades into the background of Russia’s complex political landscape.