Russia's Elites Start to Lose Faith in Putin The signs of disillusionment among Russia's top officials and business leaders with President Vladimir Putin's rule have become increasingly evident.
This trend reflects a deepening crisis for Putin's regime, as well as a growing disconnect between the president and his inner circle.
A subtle yet significant shift began last spring, manifesting in the way those close to the Kremlin describe Putin's actions – using the first person singular ("he") rather than the plural ("we").