Putin's grip weakens as successor talks emerge in Russia
Vladimir Putin, once the all-powerful leader of Russia, is becoming increasingly marginalized. According to Russian investigative journalists, his inner circle is already planning a "successor" operation.
What do you need to know?
- Russian investigative journalists claim that Vladimir Putin is losing control over the developments in Russia, and his entourage is preparing a "successor" operation.
- Putin, who has ruled Russia for over 25 years, is dealing with health issues and is increasingly isolating himself from his surroundings.
- Russian society is weary of the conflict in Ukraine, which could influence Putin's future and his policies.
How has Putin's style of governance changed?
Vladimir Putin, who was once omnipresent in Russian media, now governs from the shadows. He avoids meetings with ministers and officials, and an audience with him must be arranged months in advance. His knowledge of the world is mainly based on information provided by collaborators who carefully filter the data. "Meduza" journalists, quoted by "Newsweek" emphasize that Putin has been ruling for over a quarter of a century. He realizes that he is no longer young. He is troubled by illnesses, as they report.
Does Putin still have control over Russia?
Russian society is increasingly noticing Putin's frailty. His former associates, like Nikolai Patrushev and Dmitry Peskov, are beginning to consider a future without him. Today, this hierarchical system is shaky at its core. The younger ones are increasingly eager for advancement, note "Meduza" journalists. The power that Putin built is beginning to crumble, and the younger generation of politicians is showing an increasing appetite for power.
What are the consequences for Russia?
As reported in "Newsweek," the conflict in Ukraine has drained Russian society, which has significantly impoverished over the last three years. If Moscow does not withdraw its troops from the Dnieper, Putin may end up like Leonid Brezhnev, whose authority was weakened by the intervention in Afghanistan. Russian society is exhausted by the conflict in Ukraine, analysts emphasize. Putin's power, based on a hierarchical system, is becoming increasingly fragile.
