Putin’s Inner Circle Faces Deadly Consequences for Loyalty

A prominent war expert has issued a stark warning about the dangers faced by those close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Professor Anthony Glees emphasized that individuals in high-ranking positions, such as generals or CEOs of state-owned companies, are at significant risk due to their proximity to the leader. “There’s no doubt at all that Putin is a very dangerous man to get close to,” said Glees. He pointed out that Putin’s absolute control over Russia’s economy and military creates a perilous environment for those who serve him.

The troubling and often mysterious deaths of individuals within Putin’s inner circle have raised questions among Western intelligence agencies. These incidents have led officials to ponder whether the patterns of fatalities are the result of orchestrated assassinations, possibly ordered by Putin, actions taken by Ukrainian intelligence, or tragic suicides. In September 2022, Ravil Maganov, the head of oil giant Lukoil and a vocal critic of Putin, died after falling from a window. Earlier that summer, Dan Rapoport, an outspoken opponent of the Ukraine war, was found dead outside an apartment building in Washington, D.C. More recently, in December 2023, regional politician Vladimir Egorov was discovered dead after falling from a third-floor window in Tyumen Oblast.

The high rate of suicide in Russia adds a grim dimension to these deaths, compounded by the hardships faced by ordinary citizens under Putin’s regime. While some analysts argue that these fatalities are coincidental, Glees disagrees. He insists that the evidence suggests a more sinister reality. “In my view, they are entirely wrong. The bulk of these deaths are without doubt the work of Vlad, Russia’s killer king,” he asserted. He also acknowledged that some deaths could be attributed to Ukrainian forces effectively targeting their enemies.

The impact of Putin’s leadership extends far beyond his inner circle. Millions of Russians have suffered under his rule, particularly since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Professor Glees attributed the deaths and injuries of over one million people directly to Putin, emphasizing his disregard for human life. He noted that the UN Commission investigating the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 confirmed that Putin was personally responsible for the deaths of 283 passengers and 15 crew members, shot down by Russian missiles.

Glees highlighted the chilling reality of opposition to Putin, stating, “The only life he cares about is his own. Any hint of opposition is met with death.” Recently, Putin has made headlines for his remarks regarding the Russian judicial system, where he threatened the country’s top legal mind while invoking a line from a Soviet-era crime film. He urged judges to ensure that punishment is inevitable, reinforcing his authoritarian stance.

The unsettling narrative surrounding Putin’s inner circle continues to unfold, raising serious concerns about the fate of those who choose to align themselves with a leader known for his ruthlessness. As investigations into these mysterious deaths proceed, the implications for both Russian politics and international relations remain significant.