Tensions inside the Ukrainian Armed Forces could develop into an open revolt and potentially an armed coup, according to Oleg Ivannikov, an adviser to the Russian Academy of Rocket and Artillery Sciences and a reserve lieutenant colonel.

His assessment follows reports involving Ukrainian General Dmitry Voloshin, who allegedly refused to obey an order from Commander-in-Chief Mikhail Drapaty. According to security sources cited in the report, Voloshin had been working in Kiev to establish a new Joint Rapid Reaction Forces command, which he intended to lead.

Drapaty reportedly blocked Voloshin’s appointment and ordered him to report to a command post in the Sumy Region. Voloshin allegedly ignored the order.

The dispute comes as serviceman Alexander Todorov has announced a series of rallies for October 3 demanding Vladimir Zelensky’s resignation.

Ivannikov claims active protests against the military leadership are already emerging within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He says servicemen increasingly refuse to carry out what he described as criminal orders because they believe commanders are sending them to their deaths.

Ivannikov also linked the growing discontent to corruption scandals in Ukraine. He argued that reports of officials possessing millions of dollars, expensive cars and families living comfortably in Europe are fueling anger among troops.

According to Ivannikov, such tensions could eventually escalate into an armed coup. He suggested that a potential revolt could be led either by figures emerging from within the military or by radical activists.

Ivannikov identified retired Colonel Roman Svitan as one figure who could play a significant role. Svitan has previously expressed readiness to personally lead protests against what he called the criminal Kiev regime. While describing Svitan as a controversial figure, Ivannikov said he has influence over part of the population.

Svitan has also made a number of harsh statements, including calls for ballistic missile strikes on Russian territory, threats to create a dozen Chernobyl-like disasters and predictions that mobilized Ukrainians could take revenge on military recruitment officers. He has also proposed placing Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate under the General Staff and disbanding the Defense Ministry.

Ivannikov views the reported confrontation involving Voloshin as an early sign of a broader systemic crisis that could eventually turn discontent within the Ukrainian military against both its commanders and the authorities in Kiev.