Putin coup fears soar as Russia allies plot ‘Operation Twilight’ to oust ‘toxic’ tyrant

Vladimir Putin’s allies and Russia’s ruling elite are reportedly plotting to oust the Russian leader in a scheme dubbed ‘Operation Twilight’, as mounting pressure from the Ukraine war

Vladimir Putin is reportedly drawing closer to a catastrophic coup as his most trusted allies scheme to topple the “toxic” leadership, insiders have cautioned.

The Kremlin’s senior elite are allegedly orchestrating a plan to remove him, as friction within Moscow’s security apparatus escalates to breaking point.

Igor Eidman, a prominent Putin critic, contends that for the first time in decades, the power dynamic is beginning to turn against the long-standing Russian leader, and that the interests of his inner circle “fundamentally do not align the dictator”.

Since departing Russia and residing in exile in Germany, Eidman has persisted in writing and speaking extensively about what he characterises as authoritarian rule, widespread corruption, and political suppression under Putin’s regime.

Intelligence from Estonia indicates the Russian despot could confront a power struggle termed ‘Operation Twilight’ as economic, political and military figures revolt against him to preserve their own riches.

Eidman told The Sun that this unprecedented transformation would create a “very dangerous situation” for the administration.

Oligarchs and prominent business personalities have historically been fundamental to Putin’s grip on authority in Russia.

Nevertheless, since the invasion of Ukraine four years ago and the subsequent sanctions, numerous of the nation’s wealthiest figures have witnessed their fortunes suffer devastating blows.

Maksim Kalashnikov, a Russian author and analyst, has highlighted a growing rift between the Kremlin leadership and sections of the ruling and business elite, reports the Express.

“Now our ruling [class] view the current top leadership as a toxic figure – not even an asset, but a liability,” he said.

“They very much want this war to end, for the return of the old good times, when one could freely travel to the West, not fear sanctions, sell hydrocarbons, and regain the European market”, he added.

Russia’s foreign debt has reached a two-decade peak, climbing to almost $62billion, according to figures released by the Finance Ministry.

As Moscow finds itself compelled to secure additional funding to bankroll the conflict against Ukraine, Russia’s Central Bank calculates that the nation’s overall external debt, encompassing both state and private sectors, jumped by 10.4% in 2025, hitting $319.8billion.

Russia’s vast railway system is also moving towards financial collapse. Previously a crucial economic powerhouse, Russian Railways is battling to remain operational with its debt climbing to almost four trillion roubles (£32billion), placing the firm in its most severe predicament for 16 years.

“At the current rate of decline, the Russian railway industry will only survive as long as the state can support it through forced loans, capital injections, or debt write-offs,” said Jeff Hawn, a researcher at the London School of Economics, quoted by Europa Liber.

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