Janice R. Andrews
Russian President Vladimir Putin is encountering mounting discontent among the nation’s elite following a sweeping crackdown on military and government officials. The Federal Security Service (FSB) has conducted arrests and dismissals, targeting key figures linked to former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Shoigu, a trusted Putin ally, was removed from his role in May 2024 and now serves as Secretary of the Russian Security Council. However, recent arrests of three of his close associates have fueled speculation about internal tensions within the Kremlin.
The crackdown, which began last year, has unsettled Russia’s ruling elite as uncertainty looms over who might be targeted next. The lack of transparency regarding the arrests has heightened fears within Shoigu’s circle and cast a shadow over his influence.
Despite personal assurances from Putin, Shoigu appears powerless to protect his allies from the ongoing purge. Analysts suggest this internal discord could challenge Putin’s control, as key power players grow uneasy over the unpredictability of the arrests.
These developments point to cracks within Russia’s leadership structure, raising concerns about the long-term stability of Putin’s administration amidst escalating pressures both domestically and internationally.
