What awaits Putin after the Kursk operation: a forecast from Zelenskyy's Office

The operation in Kursk region significantly affects what will happen in Russia further. We should not expect a revolutionary-type protest there, but there will be destabilization and a final loss of loyalty to the dictatorial vertical.

Mykhailo Podolyak, Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, expressed this opinion, "Kanal 24" reports.

Podolyak notes that for Russian citizens, the war truly began on August 6, following the initiation of the Kursk operation by Ukrainian forces. This operation has made it clear to Russians that the war has reached their territory, and they will have to bear the consequences. Such a situation is likely to have a profound impact on public sentiment within Russia.

The adviser to the head of the Presidential Office says that a month ago, before the Kursk operation, many believed that Russia had adapted to the war, had sufficient resources, and was exerting pressure on the Donetsk front, making the situation seem irreversible. However, Ukraine's unexpected and creative actions have significantly altered the situation, affecting the perspectives of international partners as well.

"Today, our partners are convinced that this war can yield different results than they initially anticipated. And this is just the beginning," Podolyak stated.

In his opinion, the Kursk operation, along with the broader discourse surrounding it, mass drone attacks on Russian targets, an increase in cyberattacks on the aggressor state's information space, and the final discrediting of the "Russian world" concept in European countries, are all factors that will shape what will happen next in Russia.

"There will be no revolutionary-type protest in Russia today, but there will be destabilization and a shock response, leading to a final loss of loyalty to the dictatorial regime. When the Russian community hits rock bottom in its expectation of something from Volodymyr Putin, and people begin to return from the war with weapons, there may be a classic rebellion. The Russians will be unhappy that they were deceived. They were promised total domination through violence," the Presidential Office's adviser said.

He predicts that Russians will blame Putin and transfer their hatred to him. This wil be a fundamental collapse of the authoritarian system with elements of totalitarianism.

"It's one thing to talk for two years about how Russian troops have practically reached Odesa. It's quite another to say that while we almost reached Odesa, the war is now being fought in Kursk region, and we need to figure out what to do about it," Podolyak concluded.

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