Squabbles between Kremlin doves and hawks undermines Putin's power - ISW

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.

Analysts say there are rumors of infighting in the dictator's inner circle "undermined the impression of strength and control" that Putin has tried to portray during his more than 20 years in power.

"Some Russian media bloggers, after sharply criticizing Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Chechnya, and Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner PMC, towards Russian high military command, began to assume that there are two factions in the Kremlin" - ISW said.

Experts said that Kadyrov and Prigozhin are part of a faction that wants to continue the war and achieve its ideological goals regardless of the price.

At the same time, the opposition faction to them consists of government officials who want to negotiate with the West in order to keep their assets and residences, but are too afraid of a direct confrontation with Putin.

The Institute for the Study of War explained that the presentation of fundamental differences in Putin's inner circle and challenges to his decisions, even if they are quiet, can portray the dictator as weak.

"The truth or falsity of this presentation is less important than its introduction to the audience that Putin relies on the most for further support in his war" - the analysts added.