Putin 'confronted by member of inner circle' over faltering war in Ukraine

A member of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle has challenged his handling of the war in Ukraine, according to US intelligence sources.

The disagreement was highlighted in a report to US president Joe Biden, amid growing pressure against the Russian dictator who is losing the war.

The official, who has not been named, expressed concern over Putin’s mismangement of Russian troops.

‘Since the start of the occupation we have witnessed growing alarm from a number of Putin’s inner circle,’ a Western intelligence official told the Washington Post.

‘Our assessments suggest they are particularly exercised by recent Russian losses, misguided direction and extensive military shortcomings.’

Western spies are said to have close links to Putin’s inner circle, giving them access to any disagreements which may occur.

A second source said the criticism of Putin’s invasion was ‘consistent with the way in which the campaign has gone for the Russians, and the atmospherics in the Kremlin’.

‘There are a lot of people who are convinced this isn’t going well or is the right course of action,’ they added.

Putin has found himself under increasing pressure in recent weeks after his mobilisation of Russian troops and significant defeats in Ukraine.

His inner circle has become even smaller since the start of the war in February and now comprises ‘very very few people’ according to Western officials.

An estimated 700,000 people have fled Russia since Putin ramped up the war effort.

The mobilisation effort has also been dogged by lack of equipment and training for Russians who have been sent to the frontline.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesman, has acknowledged there has been disagreements between Putin and other Russian leaders over the call-up.

‘There is disagreement over such moments,’ he said. ‘Some think we should act differently, but this is all part of the usual working process.’

Mr Peskov said the US intelligence was ‘absolutely not true’.

Putin has assumed personal control over his military commanders as Sergei Shoigu, was sidelined earlier this year.

According to Western officials, this means Putin himself has been handing out military orders to commanders directly on the frontline.

Spats between the two have been reported throughout the war but it is unknown whether it is Shoigu who has concern over Putin’s handling.

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