In a shocking turn of events, an assassination attempt on Russian leader Vladimir Putin points to an internal rebellion, American military experts argue, contradicting Putin's claims that Ukraine was responsible for a midnight attack on the Kremlin.
"It's highly improbable the Ukrainians — even using Western weaponry — could have so thoroughly penetrated the Russian air defense systems that surround Moscow," shared a Pentagon source, as reported by National Enquirer. The source further suggested that the likely source of the attack was a domestic one, hinting at a drone strike launched from within Russia by disgruntled rebels seeking to halt the divisive Ukrainian invasion.
Despite Ukraine's immediate disavowal of any involvement, Putin's propaganda machinery has leveraged the incident, blaming the rival nation in an effort to rally support for his protracted and disastrous war, intelligence insiders revealed.
The ongoing conflict, now surpassing 14 months, has seen considerable Russian casualties, estimated at over 200,000 troops. Coupled with crippling international sanctions, these factors have precipitated a significant downturn in Russia's fortunes, pushing the nation towards economic dependency on China.
As domestic dissent surges, Putin, 70, confronts unprecedented opposition during his near two-decade reign. Widespread protests have swept across Russia, resulting in thousands of detentions. Even Putin's oligarch allies, like billionaire Oleg Deripaska, have voiced their dissatisfaction as Western sanctions impact their financial status. Deripaska recently warned of a financial crunch, stating, "There will be no money next year."
In response to growing opposition, Putin has launched a sweeping crackdown, expanding censorship laws, enforcing life sentences for treason, and reportedly eliminating over two dozen influential figures who dared to criticize his actions.
However, critics remain undeterred. An intelligence insider noted, "There are some very powerful people in Russia right now who are very unhappy about the direction of the war and Putin's decisions over the last year and a half."
Although no entity has publicly claimed responsibility for the audacious attempt on Putin's life, experts forecast that this event might prompt an intensified effort by Putin to suppress Ukraine.
Retired Maj. Gen. Paul Vallely commented, "Putin will now retaliate — and decisively so," indicating potentially intensified conflict in the region.