Russian President Vladimir Putin's advisors are on edge, as Russia's war with Ukraine has turned into a debacle, with Russian troops met by stronger Ukrainian resistance than anticipated, an expert told The New York Times.
An author and expert on Russia's military and security services told the news outlet that everyone is on edge.
Russia's military failures in the war with Ukraine have begun to reveal cracks in the Russian leadership.
Western defense officials have said that when Putin launched his attack on Ukraine on February 24, he expected a swift victory with the capital of Kyiv to quickly fall to Russian forces.
The Russian military has largely been stymied by the resistance of the Ukrainians. The forces of Putin have intensified their assault on multiple Ukrainian cities, including bombing and shelling residential buildings and hospitals.
The Russian military analyst told The Times that nothing is going to plan.
As the Ukrainian invasion drags on, Putin has begun to purge his inner circle.
The head of the Russian national guard was fired by Putin, according to Ukrainian media.
According to a Russian newspaper, Gavrilov resigned.
The top Russian intelligence official tasked with managing the recruitment of spies and diversionary operations in Ukraine and his deputy have both been placed under house arrest.
According to the Times, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who has been eyed as the Russian leader's potential successor, has been on the outs.
The Times could not independently verify the claims that Shoigu had not met with Putin in person.
A group of Russian military officers warned that invading Ukraine would be pointless, according to the Times.
The Ukrainian military claimed earlier this week that it has killed 15,000 Russians since February 24.
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