A power struggle is erupting inside the Kremlin as Russian dictator Vladimir Putin faces growing dissent from within his inner circle. According to Russian human rights activist Vladimir Osechkin, a schism has formed between factions pushing for peace and those who benefit from prolonging the war in Ukraine.
Osechkin, the founder of Gulagu.net, revealed that Putin’s daughter Ekaterina Tikhonova is among those in the so-called “peace party,” who now want to open dialogue with the West to end the conflict. This group, dubbed “Family 2.0,” includes Tikhonova’s allies and several key oligarchs who are reportedly urging Putin to soften his stance. They fear further economic collapse as the West prepares a fresh round of sanctions that would target the Russian economy, elite wealth, and those closest to Putin. These sanctions, Osechkin warns, could collapse the regime “like a house of cards.”
There is an urgency in Moscow to avoid deeper isolation, with internal forces now applying significant pressure on Putin to de-escalate the war. “They understand time is running out. They need to act to avoid a catastrophic escalation with the West,” Osechkin said.
However, these peace advocates are being resisted by the entrenched “war party” – the military and security elite profiting from continued aggression. This faction wants to extend the so-called “Special Military Operation” and is pushing back against any concessions.
As tension grows within the Kremlin, the regime’s foundation is weakening. The peace faction sees a fleeting chance to salvage relationships with certain American elites and to negotiate a path out of war. Their pitch is simple: stop the fighting and open negotiations, or risk international pariah status forever.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, the conflict escalated dramatically on the night of 3 May, as unknown drones launched a vast wave of attacks across southern Russia, including Krasnodar Krai, Rostov, and occupied Crimea. Russian reports claim 170 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight, with at least 96 over Crimea alone. Damage was extensive, with four civilians injured in Novorossiysk and residential areas hit by drone debris. Fires broke out at a grain terminal and three apartment buildings.
The attacks follow reports that Russian intelligence services have received secret orders to stage false-flag terrorist attacks during the upcoming 9 May celebrations. According to the InformNapalm intelligence group, the Kremlin plans to blame Ukraine for these attacks in order to rally domestic support for the war and counter international peace efforts.
Amid the backdrop of looming sanctions and intensified drone strikes, Putin has announced a ceasefire from 8 to 10 May to mark Victory Day. However, Ukrainian officials have yet to respond, as scepticism remains high over the sincerity of the Kremlin’s motives. The so-called truce is seen by many as a hollow gesture aimed at manipulating public opinion rather than fostering peace.
With his own daughter reportedly part of the internal rebellion, Putin’s time at the helm appears increasingly fragile. The rift inside the Kremlin could mark the beginning of the end for a regime losing both legitimacy and allies by the day.
