Putin's grip on power slipping as Kremlin ‘cabal’ ramps up pressure over Ukraine failings

Russia's failure to stop a Ukrainian invasion of Kursk has exposed Vladimir Putin's fragile grip on the country, it has been claimed.

Western officials warned the surprise incursion, more than two and a half weeks ago, has "undermined" the Kremlin propaganda narrative that claimed a "Russian victory was inevitable".

British Defence Secretary John Healey echoed this, suggesting that the Kursk operation had caused the Russian people to question their president after he failed to protect them.

Ukraine’s incursion across the border has advanced 35km inside Russia, taking control of 1,293 square kilometres (500 square miles) and 93 settlements. It marks the largest foreign attack on Russian territory since the Second World War.

Mr Healey told The Telegraph that Putin's Kremlin "cabal" may be facing growing internal pressure if Ukraine's control of Russian territory drags on.

He said: "Ukraine’s defensive operation in Kursk is a reminder to all Ukraine’s supporters that wars can shift at short notice, and continued military support for Ukraine remains as crucial as ever.

"It has sown doubt inside Russia, exposing Putin’s Kremlin cabal to the consequences of their aggression."

Russia has struggled to regain control of any territory seized by Ukraine. More than 130,000 Russians have been evacuated so far from the western Kursk region due to the ongoing incursion.

Instead, Moscow is busy cracking down on social media and messaging apps to prevent information about the Russian collapse in Kursk from spreading across the country.

Russia's telecommunications regulator has reportedly blocked the use of the messaging service Signal, while WhatsApp and YouTube are also disrupted.

Mr Healey said that Ukraine had a right to carry out its incursion into Kursk, and said Britain should be proud that its tanks are helping Kyiv make advances into Russia.

He added: "Putin’s complaints that Ukraine’s offensive is a 'provocation' are akin to a playground bully protesting because his smaller victim has had the temerity to fight back.

"Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russia’s illegal attacks, including the option to carry out incursions within Russia, as long as they are compliant with international law. And we can be proud that British weapons are helping Ukraine protect itself and push back Putin’s forces. Russia can have no objections."

Meanwhile, Russia's ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, claimed yesterday that Vladimir Putin had signed off on a plan of action to respond to Ukraine's incursion.

The ambassador said: "I tell you sincerely that the president has made a decision.

"I am firmly convinced that everyone will be severely punished for what has happened in Kursk region."