CIA Veteran Says Putin’s Days Are Numbered: “He Could Fall Like Assad”

Goff believes that the biggest danger to Putin doesn’t come from protests.

Putin Is Becoming More Vulnerable

Russian President Vladimir Putin may not be as secure as he seems.

Former CIA officer Ralph Goff says Putin is now more focused on staying alive than leading.

His health and the growing anger inside the Kremlin are both serious risks.

“Putin is a man obsessed with his health. He is afraid of illness, he is afraid of Covid, of anything that could jeopardize his personal control. That makes him vulnerable, because he no longer has a clear vision of the reality around him,” Goff told The Sun.

The Real Threat Comes From His Inner Circle

Goff believes that the biggest danger to Putin doesn’t come from protests.

It comes from people close to him. These are the elites who helped him rise to power. If they start to see him as a problem, they might turn against him.

“If the elites see Putin as a threat to their interests, there could be an unexpected rupture. It’s like in mafia structures: when the boss becomes a problem, the others regroup,” Goff explains.

Could Putin Fall Like Assad?

Goff compares Putin to Bashar al-Assad, who nearly lost power during Syria’s civil war.

While Assad held on, Goff says Putin might not be so lucky.

“He could fall suddenly, like Assad,” Goff warns. Even though Putin seems in control, the pressure from war, sanctions, and infighting could bring a fast and unexpected collapse.

Health Rumors Keep Growing

Many still question Putin’s health.

The Kremlin denies any problems, but reports tell a different story. Investigators from Proekt say doctors have visited him many times in Sochi, including a cancer surgeon.

In videos, Putin sometimes appears weak, with shaking hands or stiff movements. Some experts think he may have Parkinson’s disease or a similar condition.

Fear of Illness Fuels His Isolation

Putin is said to fear illness more than most leaders.

During Covid, he became extremely careful.

This fear may have pushed him to isolate himself and lose touch with real events.

“He no longer has a clear vision of the reality around him,” Goff says.

This kind of fear can cause leaders to make poor choices — especially when no one is willing to speak the truth to them.

Ukraine Depends on Western Support

Goff says Ukraine can keep fighting, but only with help.

If the West continues to give weapons and support, Ukraine can defend itself and even turn the war around.

“When Ukraine is well equipped and prepared, it can withstand and even change the dynamics of the war. Without this support, the risk is that Putin will prolong the conflict until the adversary is completely exhausted and force a peace that is unfavorable to Kiev,” he warns.

What Happens in Iran Could Hurt Russia

Putin is also counting on his few remaining allies. One of them is Iran.

But Goff warns that if Iran’s government falls, Russia could become even more isolated.

That would make it harder for Moscow to deal with sanctions and outside pressure. Even if the war in Ukraine ends, Goff says Russia’s future will stay uncertain.

The same system that helped Putin rise could also bring him down.