Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, stated in an interview that while an open coup d'état in Russia is unrealistic, a hidden coup to replace Vladimir Putin is possible.

An open coup d'état in Russia is considered unrealistic, but a hidden coup to replace Putin is possible.

Putin's inner circle and financial branch are looking for a way out of the situation by blaming problems on Putin to lift sanctions.

The majority of the Russian military is in favour of the war but is not eager to continue due to significant losses.

Russian special services initially advocated the operation to cover up waste on pro-Russian people in Ukraine and expected to take Kyiv in three days.

Russian business opposes the war due to financial losses and is engaging in private conversations with security forces and politicians, though they do not dare to talk openly with Putin.

Kyrylo Budanov stated that Vladimir Putin had realistic options for acting against Ukraine but chose an open aggression option which was described as 'the most stupid and cruel' variant among available plans.

According to Budanov, Putin's initial plan aimed to capture Kyiv's administrative buildings within three days and complete the active military phase by destroying resistance west of the Dnieper River by the tenth day.

Budanov claimed that Russian officials considered using former President Viktor Yanukovych to legitimize a transitional government in Ukraine.