Ukrainian military official predicted that the war would be over by the end of this year. (File)
Amid the ongoing war in Eastern Europe, a top Ukrainian official has stated that a coup to overthrow Russian President Vladimir Putin is underway and cannot be stopped.
In an exclusive interview with Sky NewsMajor General Kyrylo Budanov predicted that the war would reach a turning point in mid-August and end by the end of this year. He said that if Russia lost the war in Ukraine, Mr Putin would be removed and his country would collapse.
“It will eventually lead to the change of leadership of the Russian Federation. This process has already started and they are moving in that direction,” said Major General Budanov. When asked if a coup was underway, the military officials replied, “Yes. They move this way and it’s impossible to stop it.”
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Furthermore, Mr. Budanov claimed that the Kremlin leader has cancer and other ailments. He stated that Mr Putin is in “a very bad psychological and physical condition and that he is very ill”. Mr. Budanov rejected suggestions that he was spreading propaganda as part of the information war and was confident in his claims.
“It’s my job, it’s my job, if it’s not me, who will know this?” he said.
It is worth mentioning that there is mounting speculation about Mr Putin’s health, with several reports suggesting that he could be seriously ill. A number of videos circulating on social media also show the Kremlin leader trembling as he welcomes Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, fueling speculation that he has Parkinson’s disease.
The Kremlin has never responded to reports of the Russian leader’s alleged ill health. In fact, according to news.com.auThe Kremlin is believed to closely monitor Mr Putin’s appearances – even including time limits on his meetings to try to maintain his strong personality.
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Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military official told Sky News that Russia suffers enormous losses in the war. He said that while Europe sees Russia as a major threat, Ukraine knows that “the widely publicized Russian power is a myth”. “It’s not as powerful as this. It’s a horde of people with weapons,” Mr Budanov claimed.
Russian forces have been pushed back almost to the border around Kharkov, he said, adding that Russia has suffered “heavy losses” in manpower and armor.
