Ukrainian spy chief Kyrylo Budanov has alleged that there have been multiple attempts to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Budanov didn’t disclose any specific incidents or evidence to support his claim, his statement comes amidst growing speculation about Putin’s grip on power. Budanov highlighted a shifting dynamic within the Russian elite, suggesting that Putin’s once unchallenged authority is now facing dissent. He further stated that Putin’s death would likely trigger a period of significant instability in Russia, drawing a comparison to the chaos that followed the death of Soviet leader Josef Stalin in 1953.
Budanov’s remarks have fueled anxieties about the future of Russia’s political landscape. While he didn’t directly implicate the Ukrainian government in these alleged assassination attempts, his statements have raised eyebrows within the international community. The Russian government, in response, labeled these claims as ‘obvious’ threats from Ukraine, emphasizing the need to protect Putin’s safety.
Speculations about attempted assassinations on Putin have surfaced intermittently over the years. In May 2023, Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate Putin after drones targeted the Russian presidential palace. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vehemently denied any involvement, stating that Ukraine solely focuses on defending its own territory.
Furthermore, reports from previous years also suggest that there have been several attempts on Putin’s life. In 2012, Russian and Ukrainian authorities reportedly thwarted an attempt on Putin’s life following the presidential elections. Similarly, in 2003, British police are said to have foiled an assassination plot against Putin during his visit to London, orchestrated by two rogue intelligence personnel with ties to the FSB, the successor to the KGB.
The events of June 2023, when the Wagner Group staged a mutiny and marched towards Moscow, further underscored the potential for internal challenges to Putin’s leadership. The Wagner Group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, briefly captured a Russian military headquarters and engaged in combat with the Russian military, demanding the removal of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov. This mutiny, fuelled by elements within the Russian regime opposed to Putin, demonstrated the fragility of his authority and the potential for internal dissent to escalate into open rebellion.
Adding to the growing narrative of internal turmoil within Russia, a series of mysterious deaths among Russian oligarchs in the first two years of the Ukraine War have also raised eyebrows. These deaths have been linked to a possible power struggle within Russia, further indicating the vulnerability of Putin’s regime and the potential for a shift in power dynamics.
Budanov’s claims have reignited discussions about the stability of Putin’s leadership and the potential for significant change in Russia’s political landscape. The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Russia’s political future, with the potential for further instability and challenges to Putin’s authority looming large.
