Fear reaches Russia's inner circle - Eastern Express - TVP WORLD

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New intelligence leaks suggest Vladimir Putin is increasingly concerned about assassination and internal betrayal. Reports indicate expanded security measures, bunker isolation, and growing distrust within Russia’s elite. In this episode, our host, Benjamin Lee, and his guest, Sergei Erofeev, a sociologist at Rutgers University, examine what those fears reveal about the current state of the Kremlin system. Is this a sign of real instability, or simply the logic of authoritarian survival under pressure? Eastern Express breaks down what is actually happening behind the walls of power.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: How Ukrainian strikes expose cracks in the Kremlin's power projection
02:30 Introduction: Inner circle infighting and insider threats
05:47 Interview: Strategic costs of Putin’s isolation
07:19 Interview: The eroding ideological role of Victory Day
09:42 Interview: Security-first logic and Putin's personal fears
12:14 Interview: The black box of Kremlin politics
14:39 Interview: Why are Russia’s adversaries waiting for Kremlin insiders to do the dirty work?
16:10 Interview: Putin’s motives: From street bully, through KGB operative, to dictator
18:03 Interview: Public discontent, delegated blame, and adaptive tactics
21:19 Eastern News Flash