Putin sidelined: Kremlin insiders plan for a new successor
Vladimir Putin, once the all-powerful dictator of Russia, is becoming increasingly marginalised. According to Russian investigative journalists, his entourage is already planning a "successor" operation.
What do you need to know?
- Russian investigative journalists claim that Vladimir Putin is losing control over the course of events in Russia, and his entourage is preparing for a "successor" operation.
- Putin, who has ruled Russia for over 25 years, is struggling with health problems and is increasingly isolating himself from his surroundings.
- Russian society is tired of the conflict in Ukraine, which could affect 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 sought for months. His knowledge of the world is mainly based on information provided by collaborators who carefully select the data. "Meduza" journalists, quoted by "Newsweek" emphasise that Putin has been ruling for over a quarter of a century. He realises that he is no longer young. He is troubled by illnesses, as they report.
Does Putin still have control over Russia?
Russian society increasingly notices Putin's frailty. His former associates, like Nikolai Patrushev and Dmitry Peskov, are beginning to think about 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 we read in "Newsweek," the conflict in Ukraine has exhausted Russian society, which has significantly impoverished over the last three years. If Moscow does not withdraw its troops from the Dnipro, Putin may end up like Leonid Brezhnev, whose authority was undermined by the intervention in Afghanistan. Russian society is exhausted by the conflict in Ukraine - analysts emphasise. Putin's power, based on a hierarchical system, is becoming increasingly fragile.
