Vladimir Putin is edging closer to a disastrous coup as his closest allies plot to overthrow the “toxic” leadership, insiders have warned. The Kremlin’s top elite are reportedly edging closer to ousting him, as tensions inside Moscow’s security establishment intensify to a breaking point.
Igor Eidman, a well-known critic of Putin, argues that for the first time in generations, the balance of power is starting to shift against the long-serving Russian leader, and that the interests of those around him “fundamentally do not align the dictator”. Since leaving Russia and living in exile in Germany, Eidman has continued to write and speak extensively about what he describes as authoritarian governance, systemic corruption, and political repression under Putin’s leadership.Reports from Estonia suggest the Russian tyrant could face a power challenge dubbed ‘Operation Twilight’ as economic, political and military leaders turn on him to save their own wealth.
Eidman told The Sun that this unprecedented shift would cause a “very dangerous situation” for the regime.
Oligarchs and major business figures have long been central to Putin’s hold on power in Russia. However, since the invasion of Ukraine four years ago and the resulting sanctions, many of the country’s wealthiest individuals have seen their fortunes hit significantly hard.
Maksim Kalashnikov, a Russian writer and commentator, has commented on a widening gap between the Kremlin leadership and parts of the ruling and business establishment.
“Now our ruling [class] view the current top leadership as a toxic figure – not even an asset, but a liability,” he said.
“They very much want this war to end, for the return of the old good times, when one could freely travel to the West, not fear sanctions, sell hydrocarbons, and regain the European market”, he added.
Russia’s external debt has hit a 20-year high with it reaching nearly $62 billion, according to data published by the Finance Ministry.
As Moscow is forced to borrow more money to finance the war against Ukraine, Russia’s Central Bank estimates that the country’s total external debt, covering both public and private sectors, rose by 10.4% in 2025, reaching $319.8 billion.
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