Putin mocked as ‘grandfather’ by his own elite

Whispers of ridicule are now echoing through Russia’s corridors of power. According to a Russian economist, Vladimir Putin is no longer spoken of with unquestioned authority among the elite. Instead, he is increasingly met with distance, disappointment, and even quiet mockery behind closed doors.

The dramatic shift follows the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Alexandra Prokopenko says conversations among senior figures now reveal a growing loss of respect. The man once seen as the ultimate decision-maker is no longer treated as untouchable.

Until early 2022, Putin was widely viewed as a rational leader. Among Russia’s elite, he was commonly referred to simply as “the boss.” He was seen as someone who would ultimately act pragmatically, even when tensions were high.

That perception began to change as Putin became more focused on history. Prokopenko said he also started retreating from close involvement in economic detail. At the time, those traits were largely tolerated.

They were viewed as harmless quirks of an aging autocrat. Elites did not see them as a threat to the state. Crucially, they still believed Putin would avoid decisions that carried extreme political and economic risks.

That confidence collapsed with the invasion of Ukraine. Prokopenko said many insiders did not believe Putin would order a full-scale war. They assumed he would carefully weigh the consequences before taking such a dramatic step.

When that assumption proved wrong, the mood shifted sharply. Respect gave way to disappointment. In private, it also turned into mockery.

Behind closed doors, Prokopenko said Putin is now often referred to as “Ged.” The nickname means “grandfather.” It signals a striking change in how parts of the elite now talk about the president.

One source was even more blunt. They told her: “Ged just likes toy soldiers.” The phrase reflects a growing belief that Putin is fascinated by war itself. It also suggests he is detached from the real-world consequences.

According to Prokopenko, the nickname is not just about age. It reflects a sense of isolation. Putin is increasingly seen as living in his own bubble, separated from the reality facing Russia’s economy and society.

In that world, war becomes an abstract exercise. The human and economic catastrophe is pushed to the margins. Prokopenko said this detachment is reinforced by the way information reaches the president.

She explained that reports are often filtered and embellished before they reach him. The system now rewards those who bring good news. Those who deliver honest or negative assessments are less favoured.

As a result, distorted economic and military reports are said to be shaping decisions. This deepens the gap between what is happening on the ground and what Putin is told. It also increases frustration among those who see the reality more clearly.

The growing ridicule highlights a widening rift at the top. While Putin remains in power, Prokopenko’s account suggests his grip on elite respect has weakened. The man once feared and obeyed is now quietly questioned.

What happens next remains unclear. But the changing tone suggests cracks inside Russia’s ruling circles. The invasion of Ukraine appears to have triggered not just international backlash, but a private reckoning among Putin’s own elite.

Key Takeaways

• Russian elites now privately mock Putin as “grandfather.”

• Respect collapsed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

• Filtered information is deepening Putin’s isolation from reality.

Putin is no longer 'the boss': Russian insiders mock him as 'grandfather' instead