You'd have to ask him, but I think his paranoia is justified...

...note that what was supposed to be a brief "Military Operation" has turned into a disaster for Russia, which could get even worse should the U.S. aid package get released. Then even more Russians would be 'dissatisfied' with his leadership, and he could get treated like Mr. Navalny...as the attached article notes, at least he lives in deep fear of that outcome.

Link: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/16/europe/alexey-navalny-death-analysis-intl-cmd/index.html