Ukraine Crunch Time As Tyrant Faces Coup If He Turns To Nukes

Military elite expected to mutiny against Putin

By Chris Hughes Moscow's military elite is not likely to allow Vladimir Putin to launch nukes in his failing war against Ukraine, a top expert has revealed.

The president would face an uprising and spark a Kremlin coup if he presses for a strike, according to the British source who advises governments on Russia.

"A military mutiny is the most likely end for Putin's rule, the source said.

The Kremlin elite believe the tyrant's nuclear threats are currently working as leverage against the West, the source said.

But if he orders an actual strike, senior officers are likely to mutiny and mobilise against him, forcing Putin to step down or die.