Putin Faces Elite Fears, a Strategic Dead End, and Mobilization Risks: Pelevina on Russia’s Crisis.

Russia’s Wartime Landscape

According to UATV: Opposition figure Natalia Pelevina has outlined the deepening internal crises facing President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the regime's struggles with mobilization pressures and mounting anxiety among the business elite. Having held power for 26 years, Putin’s prolonged rule now threatens the country’s political stability, Pelevina argues. She contends that a formal mobilization order is unlikely due to the severe political dangers it would pose to the Kremlin.

Rising Tensions Across the Country

Recent events, including the killing of Wagner Group commander Yevgeny Prigozhin, have only intensified the atmosphere of uncertainty. Pelevina describes the current situation in Russia as an 'absolute dead end.' She also notes that business leaders are 'most likely terrified, first and foremost for their own safety.'

'They may have tightened the screws, but the fear remains.' — Natalia Pelevina

The politician further asserts that the ruling class is 'simply full of cowards.' She points out that the war in Ukraine is increasingly unpopular in the United States, a factor that could reshape Russia’s foreign policy calculations. Pelevina is convinced that 'most likely, mobilization will not be declared in Russia,' a sign of the serious internal fractures plaguing the country.

Russia’s situation remains volatile, especially in the wake of the Wagner Group’s activities. The internal challenges facing Putin’s regime could undermine its capacity to maintain order. Growing fear among business leaders and widespread uncertainty about the government’s next moves suggest potential shifts in Russia’s political landscape in the near future.