"Russian Entrepreneurs, United in Condemning the War"
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] It has been reported that discussions are underway within the regime to decide on a successor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid recent rumors about his health issues.
On the 24th (local time), the British daily The Telegraph, citing the Russian independent internet media Meduza, stated, "It is true that discussions are ongoing about who would replace President Putin if he were to fall seriously ill."
According to the report, anonymous Kremlin officials said, "It is not about immediately removing President Putin, but there are talks going on," adding, "There is a hope (within the regime) that he will not govern the country in the near future."
The Telegraph analyzed that this sentiment reflects internal Russian concerns that Western countries' economic sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine will strangle the country at a 'devastating level.'
On the 21st of last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin was holding the corner of the table tightly with his right hand while talking with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Moscow Kremlin. / Photo by Twitter
In fact, it has been reported that there is considerable dissatisfaction among government officials and businesspeople toward President Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
Oleg Tinkov, founder of Russia's largest online bank 'Tinkoff,' told Meduza, "Most Russian businesspeople have a condemning attitude toward the war but are afraid to express it."
There was also testimony from government officials that, despite Western countries escalating economic sanctions against Russia, President Putin does not acknowledge the severity of the situation.
Anonymous government officials told Meduza, "Putin does not believe that Europe will impose unprecedented oil import bans on Russia, the world's third-largest oil producer."
Meanwhile, President Putin has long been surrounded by various health rumors, including Parkinson's disease, Asperger's syndrome, and Oman's syndrome, but the recent release of videos that raise doubts about his health condition has intensified these concerns.
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