Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
History could very well repeat itself.
History has a habit of isolating leaders who push their nations into protracted conflicts.
When initial promises of swift success fade into economic hardship and domestic unrest, the atmosphere inside the corridors of power can shift from absolute loyalty to deep suspicion.
For those watching from a distance, the trajectory of a reclusive ruler often looks remarkably familiar.
A paranoid descent
In an interview with The Sun, exiled Putin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky said he believes the Russian president is spiraling into dangerous isolation.
The interview was later shared on Khodorkovsky’s own website.
Khodorkovsky stated that the leader is currently hiding in underground bunkers. He reportedly fears domestic plots and drone strikes.
This retreat follows major setbacks for Moscow. Reports indicate that more than a million Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, a leaked intelligence report from March 2026 revealed that the president has significantly tightened his personal security due to fears of a coup among the political elite.
The conflict has also damaged the domestic economy, causing food prices to surge dramatically. Trust is fracturing. Polling data from the institute FOM showed the leader’s approval rating dropping to 71 percent, marking its sharpest decline since 2019.
Echoes of the past
In his interview with The Sun, Khodorkovsky drew direct parallels between the current regime and some of history’s most notorious dictators.
He noted that the military strategy against Ukraine mirrored historical German aggression.
However, Khodorkovsky also highlighted a comparison with Soviet ruler Joseph Stalin.
He suggested that the current president’s extreme isolation mirrors the final days of the Soviet dictator. Stalin died alone because his inner circle was too terrified to help him.
“Stalin ended his life in a puddle of his own vomit because no one dared approach him when he collapsed. I think this is the route that Putin is following now. This is the direct route to that kind of end to his life,” Khodorkovsky said.
Facing internal threats
The danger for the Kremlin may ultimately come from within its own security apparatus.
Khodorkovsky explained that the government relies heavily on a combination of state propaganda and intelligence networks to maintain control.
If public support continues to decline, the security services will become the administration’s sole lifeline — and if the propaganda machine fails, public support for Putin could deteriorate quickly, prompting the Russian dictator’s inner circle to turn on him.
Sources: The Sun, FOM, Khodorkovsky.com
