“End of Putinism”: Ex-ambassador sees three signs of ruler’s fall

Another high-ranking general in Russia’s military loses his post. A former U.S. ambassador wants to acknowledge that Putin is slowly reconsidering.

WASHINGTON – No other person is viewed more closely by the global public Vladimir Putin. Every photo or video, every speech and every movement is analyzed for clues about his condition and his future actions. A reshuffle of his general staff has recently sparked interest from Germany and abroad. Michael McFaul, the former US ambassador to Moscow, wants to see a clear identity in the latest appointment.

“End of Putinism”: Ex-ambassador sees three signs of ruler’s fall

Contrary to earlier promises, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin cannot boast of a quick victory over Ukraine. It is true that Russian forces are attacking the Ukrainian army near Pakmut. But just before the war’s first anniversary, a number of intermediate goals remained unfulfilled. Now Putin has vented his displeasure by appointing a rising star and hardline general, Valery Gerasimo, to replace former commander-in-chief Sergei Surovikhin.

It was not so long ago that the promotion of the experienced officer Surovikhons, who won the Hero of Russia award. Inaugurated on October 8, 2022, he must resign now for the same reason: lack of military success. merkur.de reported. Michael McFall, the former US ambassador to Russia, has only one explanation for this: “Putin understands that Russia is losing in Ukraine,” he explained in his post. Columns In The Washington Post.

Signs of Putin’s Weakness – “Battlefield Victories Impossible”

McFall backs up his hypothesis with additional indications of Putin’s possible accession. Whether it’s the cancellation of the traditional press conference with a question-and-answer session at the end of the year, or the skipping or postponing of public events—to McFaul, these abnormalities are unequivocal proof of his theory. The film is supplemented by Kremlin loyalists who criticize the war on television.

Diplomat McFaul concludes from three factors that Putin will never recover from war. Initially – despite the renewed mobilization – “essential victories for Russia on the battlefield were unlikely”. Especially now that Ukraine is supported by main battle tanks. Second, the columnist and political scientist predicts that Western sanctions are taking effect and that Putin has recently lost the support of business and its elites.

Despite the sole rule of the ruler: “the beginning of the fall of Putinism”

According to the author, the support of Russian civil society is the third factor that makes Putin lose the war. Because the popularity of the ruler is decreasing. Opinion polls to the contrary show a “high proportion of dissidents”. The accumulated evidence leads McFall to one conclusion: the Russian defeat in Ukraine is “the beginning of the fall of Putinism.” And in case, a successor is already ready.

Rubriklistenbild: © Vadim Ghirda/AP/dp