The Main Intelligence Directorate stated that Putin fears Russian oligarchs
On September 12, Vadym Skibitsky, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense, stated that Vladimir Putin fears the influence of Russian oligarchs. He shared his assessment of the state of the regime in Russia during the YES Annual Meeting 2026.
According to the GUR representative, Ukrainian intelligence’s analysis is based on actual documents intercepted from the Russian Federation. Currently, at least two distinct groups can be identified within Putin’s inner circle:
- the first advocates continuing the war against Ukraine;
- the second seeks to halt hostilities through a negotiation process.
“During potential negotiation procedures, it becomes evident that the regime is genuinely afraid of internal collapse and destabilization within the country,” Skibitsky noted.
In addition, data tracking domestic political dynamics during preparations for elections in Russia showed a noticeable drop in support for pro-government parties, particularly “United Russia.”
“This was a clear signal to the regime,” said the GUR representative.
Furthermore, according to Skibitsky, Putin fears the influence of oligarchs, bearing in mind the experience of the Mikhail Khodorkovsky case. Evidence of this concern lies in specific steps taken by the Russian authorities:
- the adoption of new laws on mobilization;
- expanding the powers of the security services through stricter security decrees;
- media reports about the possible reprivatization of companies and enterprises in Russia.
“I believe that it should be a priority for our international partners to clearly understand who among the Russian elite truly wants to stop the war, and who seeks to prolong it,” he added in response to a question about whether the West could “buy off” oligarchs who disagree with the dictator.
Source: RBC-Ukraine
Earlier, Budanov announced a new round of peace talks in October.
Prior to that, Budanov had made a statement about freezing the war until winter.
As a reminder, part of the Rivne region was left without electricity due to Russian shelling.
The Russians also struck a passenger train at the Lutsk train station.
Overnight, the Russians fired Kalibr missiles at a high-rise building in Odesa.
