'State of shock': Former Putin aide on Russian political system - CNN

[TexasTowelie]

Abbas Gallyamov, who was a speechwriter for Russian president Vladimir Putin, predicts Russia's elites will begin looking to replace Putin within the next several months.

[Starfury]

1. I'd be surprised if Putin makes it to the end of the year

Not saying he's going to mysteriously fall out a window, but sanctions are starting to bite hard (needing North Korea and Iran to resupply?), more military losses likely, growing public discontent, etc. I don't see him being allowed to keep playing Tsar for too much longer.

[TexasTowelie]

2. The real crisis will appear as their transportation systems fall into disrepair.

They are having difficulty getting brakes for their aircraft and bearings for railroad wheels.

Putin's time is drawing to a close, the only remaining question is whether someone will hasten him along the way.