Russian President Vladimir Putin may be removed from power as early as 2023. And not because of the war against Ukraine, but due to deteriorating health.

This was stated by the former head of British intelligence MI6 Richard Dearlove in the podcast One Decision.

He made the prediction amid rumors of the 69-year-old Putin's rapidly deteriorating health.

"I really intend to bet he'll be gone in 2023. Probably gone to a sanitarium, from which he will no longer emerge as Russia's leader," Dirlove noted.

In addition, the former intelligence officer suggested that Secretary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev might take over the duties of the Russian president.

"This is a kind of way to move on without a coup. If my prediction comes true and Putin does disappear in a sanatorium, I think it is he who will most likely replace him," the former head of British intelligence added.

For its part, the Russian newspaper Meduza, citing sources, writes that Putin has turned everyone against himself with his war against Ukraine, even those who supported the "military operation" in Ukraine. And the Kremlin is already discussing a successor.