Putin's replacement in offing, dissatisfaction growing within Russia: Ukraine official
What's the story
Vladimir Putin might soon be replaced as Russia's president as dissatisfaction against him is allegedly growing within the country amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, claimed a Ukrainian intelligence official.
Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, claimed a search to find Putin's successor has already begun as "the circle" around him is narrowing, and the Russian leader is becoming increasingly toxic.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Yusov's statement comes after an arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Putin on Friday over war crime allegations of illegally deporting children from Ukraine.
Earlier on Thursday, United Nations (UN) investigators also stated that Russia had forced the transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children to areas under its control count, which amounted to a "war crime."
Statement
Gloomy understanding of geopolitical catastrophe in Putin regime: Yusov
During a recent news channel interview, Yusov said, "Within the Kremlin, there is more and more dissatisfaction with what is happening."
"There is an increasingly gloomy understanding of the prospects, specifically the geopolitical catastrophe of the Putin regime. Thus, the search for Putin's successor is already underway."
He claimed Putin would not be involved in the process. However, he didn't name any potential candidates.
Twitter Post
Watch: Ukraine's military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov's remarks
Search for Putin's successor is already in progress, and it's not Putin doing it - Andrii Yusov of @DI_Ukraine.
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 18, 2023
He added that people around Putin are growing increasingly dissatisfied with him and realize the perspectives of the geopolitical catastrophe. pic.twitter.com/RfGnEpj7aX
Reports
Some people turning critical of Putin as casualties pile up
According to Newsweek, some people have become critical of Putin as casualties pile up in the war with Ukraine, though many Russians stood with him throughout the conflict. Around 160,000 Russian soldiers have reportedly been killed in the conflict so far.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine was highly denounced across the world, with the West imposing economic penalties on Moscow, which weakened its economy, too.
CriticismÂ
Opponents, analysts detail reasons for failure of Russia's invasion
Putin has come under fire from some opponents for designating the invasion as a "special military operation" instead of a "war." It allegedly prevented the military from launching a full mobilization.
Analysts also criticized the invasion's failure on a variety of other problems, including the difficulty of keeping troops motivated on the battlefield, particularly during the freezing winter months, and problems with military authority.
Information
Putin in trouble following ICC's arrest warrant?
On Friday, the ICC issued an arrest order for Putin on grounds of war crimes. Although Putin is unlikely to be detained, the order will likely limit his ability to travel because most countries recognize the ICC's jurisdiction.