Surkov's vision: a 'Tsarist' future for Russia and the West
Vladislav Surkov, former advisor to Vladimir Putin, shared his thoughts on the future of Russia and Europe in an interview with "L'Express". According to him, Russia always needs a "tsar".
Vladislav Surkov, known as the architect of Putinism, gave an interview to the French weekly "L'Express", where he spoke for the first time since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine about the political situation. Surkov, who was a close advisor to Vladimir Putin for years, presented his visions for the future of Russia and the West.
He created Putin. He says Russia needs a "tsar"
Surkov predicts that in the future the West will become more authoritarian, while Russia will strive for a greater balance between discipline and freedom. "In the future, the West will become more authoritarian and Russia less so," the former advisor to Putin predicts in an interview with "L'Express".
Surkov emphasises that Russia has always needed a strong leader. "We need a tsar. Periods without a tsar always end in disaster for us," he stated. In his opinion, multipolarity is beneficial in foreign policy, but not domestically.
Expansion as an element of Russia's existence
Surkov believes that expansion is an inherent element of Russian existence. "For Russia, permanent expansion is not just another idea, it is the existential condition of our historical existence," he explains. In his opinion, Russia should extend its influence worldwide, according to its capabilities.
In the context of Ukraine, Surkov claims that a natural division of this country would be beneficial for Russia. "The military or military and diplomatic crushing of Ukraine. The division of this artificial quasi-state into its natural fragments."
Surkov did not spare criticism of the European Union, which he considers overly collegial and ineffective. In his opinion, the EU must decide whether it wants to be a state or return to being an economic community. "In this context, we have seen the emergence of generations of European politicians whose speciality is half-measures," he assesses.
The interview with Surkov, published by "L'Express", sheds new light on his views and visions regarding the future of Russia and its relations with the West. His words reveal the complex and multidimensional challenges facing Russia and its neighbours.
