Reports indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin is consolidating his authority by promoting younger, loyal figures, a move prompted by increasing internal Kremlin instability as he gets older.
A Sunday report stated that the 73-year-old Putin, who has governed Russia for over twenty years, faces escalating domestic and international pressure and is “running out of options.”
Additionally, the Federal Security Service (FSB) initiated a criminal investigation, according to reports, against exiled businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky and 22 individuals from the Anti-War Committee of Russia, alleging they conspired to seize power. Khodorkovsky, after serving ten years in a Siberian prison, established the Anti-War Committee in 2022.
John Herbst, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, commented to a U.K. publication that “the Kremlin is descending into paranoia.”
Henry Hale, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University, informed Digital that “those surrounding him have begun contemplating a post-Putin era, prompting him to meticulously construct his elite circle to prevent any obvious divisions that could lead to its unraveling.”
Hale also noted, “Family members are now ascending through the ranks, with Anna Evgenievna Tsivilyova, born Putina, drawing significant attention.”
Tsivilyova, 52, who is a first cousin once removed to Putin, presently leads the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, a government-operated entity assisting Russian military personnel and veterans.
She previously chaired the board of Kolmar Group, which ranks among Russia’s largest coal enterprises.
Hale stated, “The younger generation is being groomed by their elders and integrated smoothly into the power structure.”
“Putin is concerned about the implications of his aging,” Hale explained, “and if avenues for younger individuals to advance are not provided, the regime could face strain.”
Hale further remarked, “These individuals are trustworthy due to their connections to Putin’s inner circle, and they also possess youth and energy. The older generation is cultivating the younger ones, integrating them smoothly into the hierarchy of power.”
During 2023, Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin initiated a short-lived rebellion, directing his forces towards Moscow before suddenly retreating, and subsequently perishing in a plane crash weeks later.
Presently, the Kremlin’s attention has shifted towards suppressing opposition outside Russia.
“Divisions persist among the elite, and Putin aims to eliminate all potential threats,” Hale commented, adding, “The 2023 event served as a cautionary message from Putin to his inner circle and the broader elite, warning them against any attempts. Putin and his associates are closely monitoring one another, so no unusual actions should be attempted.”
Recent reports suggest that factors such as reduced oil revenue and the expenses of the war might lead Russia into a recession.
The Treasury Department, operating under President Biden, imposed sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, intensifying pressure on the Kremlin to cease its conflict in Ukraine.
Reports indicate that the Russian government might increase taxes and domestic borrowing to address the financial shortfall.
Hale further stated, “Putin has withstood the primary crisis that the full-scale invasion of Ukraine presented to Russia, specifically the initial impact of the invasion and its inability to conquer Ukraine swiftly.”
“However, war introduces unpredictability, and there’s a danger of catastrophic defeat or unmet expectations. Everyone around him begins to contemplate a world without Putin.”
Hale concluded by saying, “Nonetheless, I believe Putin’s regime currently enjoys considerable stability.”
Digital has sought a response from the Kremlin.