How credible are intel claims that Putin's inner circle is turning against him?

As Moscow stages its annual Victory Day parade projecting strength and unity, a controversial report allegedly based on European intelligence assessments paints a very different picture behind the Kremlin walls. The report claims Vladimir Putin has sharply increased his personal security amid fears of elite betrayal, internal leaks and even possible coup attempts from within Russia’s own power structure. It also suggests growing distrust between elements of Russia’s security apparatus and raises questions surrounding former defence minister Sergei Shoigu following the Wagner mutiny.

How credible are these claims? And what would signs of real instability inside the Kremlin actually look like?

DW News speaks to Roman Dobrokhotov, founder and editor-in-chief of The Insider, an investigative outlet known for major investigations into Russian intelligence operations and banned in Russia.

Topics discussed:

- Putin’s growing security fears

- Kremlin elite distrust and internal rivalries

- Sergei Shoigu and alleged coup speculation

- Rivalries between Russia’s security services

- Whether Putin fears betrayal from within

- Signs of instability inside the Kremlin

- What a leadership transition in Russia could look like

Chapter Breakdown

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