The Russian power establishment insists on the removal of Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov

Baku/21.08.23/Turan: Rigid factions within the Russian security establishment are reportedly pushing for the removal of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, as indicated by unnamed individuals familiar with the matter, according to a recent Bloomberg report on August 20.

This particular faction is also advocating for the implementation of widespread mobilization efforts and the imposition of martial law across Russia. Despite these sentiments, there have been no discernible indicators that President Putin is inclined to take such drastic measures, as Bloomberg points out.

According to the publication, the prevailing echelons of Russian leadership were taken aback by what they perceive as President Putin's tepid response to the insurrection of the Wagner private military group and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Tensions escalated further with the July 21 apprehension of Igor "Strelkov" Girkin, a former commander of Russia-aligned forces in the Donetsk region, by the Russian Investigative Committee. Prior to his detention, Girkin conveyed on his Telegram channel that Russia was ill-equipped to endure another half-dozen years under the dominion of what he labeled as a "worthless cowardly" leadership.

As Russia approaches the 18-month milestone of its all-encompassing conflict with Ukraine, internal tensions surge within the nation. Competing factions vie for control over the Kremlin's resources and political backing. The pivotal quandary for Putin seems to revolve around the delicate equilibrium between appointing capable individuals and fostering loyalty to his leadership.