Hardliners in Russia's leadership insist on the resignation of Shoigu and Gerasimov and general mobilisation — Bloomberg

Those close to the Russian leadership want to see Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov dismissed, as well as to intensify hostilities in Ukraine, to introduce general mobilisation and martial law. 

Bloomberg reported this, citing five sources in the Russian elite. 

The head of the Wagner PMC, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has made similar demands. Bloomberg writes that many in the Russian leadership were surprised that Putin did not punish Prigozhin in any way. The publication emphasises that the Russian elite sees no alternative to Putin and supports the status quo.

The article focuses on the Kremlin's preparations for the 2024 presidential election, in which many say Putin will run again for a six-year term. In addition to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the Russian president has recently been concerned about the ruble and economic stability, according to sources.

Bloomberg's sources believe that Putin does not want to allow inflation to spike before the election, which requires measures to save the ruble from free fall.