A Tough Autumn Ahead for Putin: Expert Warns of New Crises Facing the Kremlin.

Russia’s Current Situation and Its Fallout

According to Espreso.tv: Russian opposition expert Alexander Morozov warns that the coming months will be increasingly difficult for the Kremlin, driven by military setbacks and a fuel crisis that is already hitting ordinary citizens. The fuel shortage, which first emerged in late May 2023, had spread across all 11 of Russia’s time zones by the end of June, causing long lines at gas stations and sending gasoline prices to record highs.

On June 17, 2023, Russia announced plans to import gasoline by sea from Asian countries, and by July 1, 2023, it had begun maritime shipments of fuel from India. For context, this marks a stark reversal for a major oil-producing nation. Morozov argues that these developments reveal deep structural problems within the Russian economy.

'Putin has never faced a gasoline crisis like this before' - Alexander Morozov

Compounding the issue, several Russian oil refineries have halted operations following Ukrainian drone strikes, further worsening the fuel supply. Morozov emphasized that 'Putin is essentially forcing the Russian military command to show territorial gains at any cost.' He added, 'There is no—and can no longer be—any success on the front that could shift the situation in the Kremlin’s favor.'

Outlook for the Months Ahead

The expert predicts that if the population also faces blackouts due to attacks on energy infrastructure, the situation will deteriorate even further. 'I would say that autumn for Putin and his inner circle will be far more alarming and challenging than they expected at the start of this year,' Morozov concluded.

These forecasts suggest that Russia may confront serious difficulties in the near future unless the current crises are resolved. According to Morozov, the conditions point to potential economic and social instability that could have grave consequences for the country’s population.

• Loss of access to fuel and energy resources could fuel growing public discontent.
• This, in turn, may increase pressure on the government.
• With an ongoing military conflict and a worsening economy, the Kremlin could struggle to maintain control.
• These dynamics could potentially reshape Russia’s domestic political landscape.