Putin risks losing support of Russian elite in elections due to war — political expert Eidman

He shared the information on Espreso TV.

"I believe that problems for Putin may only emerge under specific circumstances, such as a force majeure event occurring by the time of the election. For instance, if Russian troops face defeat on the front, eliciting a negative response from the elite within Russia," Eidman explains.

According to him, Russia’s elite and leadership want to get rid of Putin, because they are not happy that he wants to extend his rule for another 5 years. 

"They don't want this at all, because they know that Putin is a sign of ordinary life for them, and they are sybarites, not some kind of ideological patriots, they want to live well, beautifully and peacefully. And they don't need all these vicissitudes that Putin has arranged with the war and sanctions," the expert concludes.

The sociologist emphasizes that Putin's sycophants are also tired of the war, but are afraid to say so, but over time they will realize that the dictator is an even greater threat to them than anything else.

• According to Reuters, citing its own sources, Putin has decided to run in the 2024 presidential election, and his advisers are already preparing for the campaign.
• According to ISW, Putin is likely to avoid the topic of the war in Ukraine during his 2024 presidential campaign. Instead, he will focus on alleged "stability" in Russia and criticizing the West.
• On December 14, Putin will hold a direct line and a press conference simultaneously. It is possible that he will announce his candidacy for the presidency at the same time. The election is scheduled for March 17.
• Putin's election headquarters for the presidential election will be headed by the head of the Kremlin's Domestic Policy Department, Andrei Yarin.