VLADIMIR Putin is terrified, sickly and facing a fate just like his toppled dictator pal Bashar al-Assad, a former CIA chief has warned.
Ralph Goff, ex-CIA chief of operations for Europe and Eurasia, said the aging Russian tyrant is preoccupied with his health.
And while he fumbles with trying to keep well, there is likely to be fermenting dissent in his elites.
He said Putin, 72, could fall very quickly if his oligarch pals turn on him – potentially losing power in a sudden uprising like Assad.
Goff said the Russian president’s health and well-being is his “top concern”.
The ex-spook – a 35-year CIA veteran – told The Sun: “Putin is a guy who’s afraid of Covid, afraid of being sick.
“His personal health and well-being are his top concern.
“Putin may have the same fate as Bashar al-Assad who fell suddenly without warning.
“I think this is one of the more likely outcomes for Putin – a threat that he doesn’t even see coming, comes out of nowhere, and he’s gone.”
Much like other intelligence leaders, Goff, who has experience in Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South Asia, believes that Putin perceives “a threat within the elite.”
He remarked: “It’s akin to the structure of organized crime in the United States, similar to the Italian mafia, where if the leader was deemed detrimental to their operations, they would conspire to eliminate him.”
“So Putin’s got to watch out. He’s got to watch the economy.
“He’s got to watch the loyalty of the oligarchs.”
Despite leading a war effort that has been devastating to Russia, Vlad is “still popular”, Goff said.
But he added: “It’s a huge scale of devastation and loss. And that can undermine just about anybody.”
What we know about Putin’s health
By Henry Holloway, Deputy Foreign Editor
VLADIMIR Putin has long been rumoured to be suffering from poor health.
Russia has always insisted that the judo-loving, horse-riding and often shirtless tyrant is in perfect health.
Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky even stated as fact earlier this year that Putin will “die soon”.
From shaking “jelly” legs and swollen features to quiet discussions about cancer and Parkinson’s, rumors have surged that the aging ruler is secretly grappling with several severe health issues within the Kremlin confines.
Bombshell spy leaks have suggested Putin is fighting pancreatic, thyroid, and even prostate cancer.
An investigation by Proekt media revealed that a top thyroid cancer surgeon visited Putin no fewer than 35 times at his Black Sea resort, Sochi.
The tyrant is also reportedly followed constantly by a neurosurgeon, raising fears of neurological or oncological issues.
Video footage of Putin meeting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in April 2022 captured him shaking uncontrollably, with his knees seeming to give way during a handshake attempt.
Subsequent clips have shown him tapping his foot, clutching tables for steadiness, and sitting awkwardly during meetings, such as a 12-minute briefing with defense minister Sergei Shoigu, where he held onto a desk the entire time.
In addition to cancer and Parkinson’s speculations, several sources have also connected Putin with multiple sclerosis (MS), a long-term condition impacting the brain and spinal cord.
Though less widely reported, speculation about MS has emerged due to Putin’s unsteady gait, rigid posture, and occasional difficulty with movement – all potential symptoms of the disease.
Videos have shown him walking with stiffness, appearing to drag his legs, and struggling with coordination.
As the war rumbles on, Goff revealed the recipe for Ukraine success – more weapons from Europe and targeting Russian assets.
He said: “When the Ukrainians are successfully armed and prepared, they can hold out – and there’s an increased chance of forcing some sort of settlement.
“If not, Putin can continue this war for as long as he likes – to the point where the Ukrainians are forced to kind of seek a very disadvantageous peace, or ceasefire.”
Goff warns it would be “very unstable” with “no guarantee that some sort of war won’t break out in the future“.
And outside Russia, Goff believes a regime change in Iran would have a direct impact on Putin’s war.
He said: “A change in regime would undermine that support and help isolate Russia just a little bit more.”
