Post-Putin Russia Faces Chaos, Ukraine’s Spy Chief Warns: What It Means for Kyiv.

Kyrylo Budanov’s Take on the Fallout from Putin’s Departure

According to Novyny.live: Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate in Ukraine, shared his assessment of what might happen if Vladimir Putin steps down and how it would reshape Russia. Speaking at the 'Security Architecture' international forum, Budanov warned that Putin’s exit could plunge Russian society into deep turmoil. He noted that Putin has held power since 1999—roughly 27 years—and shows no willingness to hand it over voluntarily.

Budanov stressed that Russia’s current state is already alarming.

'Regression and decline are everywhere. Sure, it can be tolerated for a while, but in the long run, it leads nowhere good. This already threatens the system’s stability,' he said.

Battlefield Struggles and What Comes Next

At the same time, Budanov highlighted the difficulties Russia faces on the battlefield in Ukraine. Moscow’s offensive has slowed, with military casualties reaching up to 35,000 per month.

'Since they can’t win militarily—and they know it perfectly well—they need to negotiate,' he emphasized.

In short, Russia remains in a tense state, and a possible departure of Putin could have major repercussions for both the country and Ukraine. A weakened Russia opens up new opportunities for Kyiv, but it also brings risks that demand careful monitoring. Crucially, shifts in Russia’s political landscape could alter the conflict’s trajectory, and Ukraine must be ready for a range of scenarios.