Putin's authority in Russia's army is close to zero - national security expert Varchenko

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"Putin's authority in the Russian army is most likely approaching zero. The factors that drive the individual and collective psyche of the Russian soldier are causing Putin's rating to fall rapidly," Varchenko said.

According to the expert, Putin's rating is maintained thanks to traditional Russian propaganda.

"The rating of a commander who does not respect his soldiers, which has been proven many times, who is unable to take responsibility, who runs away from responsibility in case of danger to himself, who is a coward - the rating of such a commander cannot be maintained. Right now, Putin's rating is being maintained thanks to Russia's traditional propaganda. That is, Putin no longer has authority in the Russian army," Varchenko added.

Doctor of History, political scientist Yuriy Felshtynskyi believes Prigozhin's last task in Russia was a coup attempt as part of an effort to overthrow Putin's government.

The UK Ministry of Defence has reported that the loss of an IL-22M aircraft during the recent failed coup by Yevgeny Prigozhin could have long-term negative consequences for the Russian military during operations