Kathrine Frich
Vladimir Putin has long projected firm control over Russia’s political system.
He has met little visible dissent from those around him, but recent remarks from within the establishment suggest that image may be under strain.
A once-loyal figure has now made striking claims about tensions behind the scenes.
insider speaks out
Russian lawyer Ilya Remeslo, previously known for supporting the war in Ukraine, has alleged that opposition to Putin is growing within elite circles.
In an interview with media personality Ksenia Sobchak, reported by the Daily Express, he said dissatisfaction is widespread among officials and insiders.
“It’s Vladimir Putin. It’s obvious. Everyone knows it,” he said, describing the president as the “root cause” of Russia’s problems.
Coup prediction
Remeslo claimed that Russia could see a dramatic political shift within the next year, predicting a quiet change in power rather than a violent uprising.
“We’ll wake up in a different country,” he said, suggesting a scenario similar to leadership transitions in Soviet times.
He added that a “palace coup, a revolution in Russia” could take place by late 2026 or early 2027.
Elite resentment
According to Remeslo, many within government structures are privately opposed to Putin’s rule.
“They simply hate him because he took everything away from them,” he said, claiming officials have lost privileges they once enjoyed.
He also hinted that tensions are building internally, though he declined to name a specific successor, saying doing so could lead to immediate arrest.
Possible successors
Despite this, Remeslo referenced several senior figures who could emerge in a post-Putin system.
Among them were Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov and Kremlin aide Alexei Dyumin.
He suggested Russia could move toward a new model with a stronger economy and greater openness to investment.
Shifting stance
Remeslo has recently turned against Putin, previously describing him as a “war criminal, liar, and thief.”
Following earlier criticism, he was reportedly placed in a psychiatric clinic, a move some observers have likened to Soviet-era repression.
He has since renewed his criticism and called on others within the system to speak out.
Sources: Daily Express
