THE chances of Vladimir Putin being deposed in a coup is growing "every week" the botched invasion of Ukraine continues, a whistleblower has claimed.

A source within Russia's security service the FSB has said agents are increasingly frustrated with Putin's handling of the war.

Putin expected a quick victory when he ordered the invasion on February 24 but fierce resistance from the Ukrainians has seen a mounting death toll, with several generals and senior officers among the dead.

Citing his source, Russian journalist Vladimir Osechkin told The Times that Western sanctions were crippling the lifestyle of his country's high-flying secret service agents who are allegedly being stopped from visiting their holiday homes or being able to "take their kids to Disneyland Paris".

FSB officers are paid more than the average Russian and are given an apartment by state.

Osechin told The Times: "For 20 years Putin created stability in Russia. FSB officers, policemen, state prosecutors — those people inside the system — were able to live good lives."

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He said Western sanctions were ruining this and adding to a collective disillusionment in the Russian leader.

"For every week and every month that this war continues, the possibility of a rebellion by those in the security services increases."

It comes as Russia is reported to have suffered 40,000 casualties since the conflict kicked off a month ago.

Moscow accidentally revealed it has lost 10,000 troops, when the figure was disclosed by a pro-Kremlin newspaper.

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But NATO has said that figure could be as high as 15,000 with the total losses including wounded, captured or missing up to 40,000.

The estimate is based on figures of what Russia has revealed, either intentionally or deliberately, a NATO official has disclosed.

If the NATO estimate is correct, then the Russian losses in just under a month in Ukraine are now the same as they suffered during their ten year war in Afghanistan, which ended in 1989.

Meanwhile, Kremlin insider Anatoly Chubais has now stepped down and left the country, citing his opposition war in Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.

The 66-year-old climate envoy announced his resignation in a letter to colleagues and friends on Tuesday.

Chubais had a hand in economic reforms that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union but remained in Putin’s government and had maintained close ties with Western officials. 

In response to the faltering invasion, Putin has now reportedly placed General Vladislav Yershov under house arrest.

Under his command, the 6th Army has lost 2000 soldiers including 180 conscripts doing national service, says Ukrainian media.

He was sacked by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who himself has not been seen for 12 days and is said to be suffering from “heart problems”.

He is seen as one of Putin’s closest and most loyal allies. 

But strains have appeared over the conduct of the war with him and other leading army and security chiefs.

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His daughter Ksenia, 31, appeared with her baby in pictures recently in Ukrainian blue and yellow colours. 

Putin's soldiers are understood to have been sold a lie – with some told it was a training exercise and others assured they would be welcomed as heroes.

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