Former separatist leader Igor Girkin warns that Putin ‘could disappear at any moment’ and trigger civil war in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin could “disappear at any moment”, plunging Moscow into civil strife inside Russia amid an invasion of Ukraine, former Russian officer Igor Girkin has warned, Newsweek reports.

Girkin, also known as Igor Strelkov, rose to prominence for his role in Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

He is increasingly critical of the Kremlin leadership, although he supports the goals of the Russian military. He has recently given black assessments of the war for Putin.

Reflecting on whether a change in Kremlin leadership would be beneficial for Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, he admitted that there was a possibility that Putin would “disappear” amid lingering questions about his health.

A recording of his statements was posted on Twitter by Anton Gerashchenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Ministry of Interior. Girkin refused to “rule out” the possibility that Putin could suddenly “disappear at any moment”, either by resigning from the presidency or by dying, noting that his country is “the biggest secret” in Russia.

Strelkov says that disappearance of Putin will lead Russia to losing the war, chaos and collapse.

Others think that if leadership in 🇷🇺 changes, it will get a chance to settle for peace and become a democratic federation.

What do you think? pic.twitter.com/6Zw1OgIvwo

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) February 6, 2023

In that case, he said, Russia would plunge into chaos and cause an “external defeat” in Ukraine.

He explained that the new leadership would even allow Kiev to regain control of Crimea, which is the aim of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Putin has warned will obstruct peace talks.

But defeat in Ukraine would not be the only issue facing Russia, says Girkin. He also predicted a struggle for power in Russia with unpredictable consequences.

Girkin suggested that the new leadership could potentially turn Russia against China, now perhaps its strongest ally. “Then the process of the disintegration of this country will begin,” Girkin said.

“A civil war of all against all. I don’t rule out the possibility that we are doomed to that. I don’t rule it out.”

"Russian army is not ready for an offensive. Communication, ammo supplies, air dominance – everything is very bad" – terrorist Girkin-Strelkov pic.twitter.com/KbzP6Y6pON

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) February 7, 2023

Also, according to Girkin, “the Russian army is not ready for an offensive”. Communications, equipment, air superiority – everything is bad.”