“Putin doesn’t count on personal relations with American leaders. Today he only counts on the intersection of interests.”
Medvedev
What Russia’s Protests Mean For Putin’s Opposition
If Alexei Navalny was one of many opposition figures during the winter of 2011-2012, Sunday’s protests have established him as today’s undisputed leader.
When It Comes to Russia, It’s Munich All Over Again – Again
After the Cold War, Europeans became accustomed to gathering in Munich each year to talk about other people’s problems. Now they are learning that fences and seas can’t keep out the rest of the world.
The Medvedev Snafu
I had to force myself to watch Dmitry Medvedev’s interview with TV journalist Vladimir Pozner. The sincerity with which Medvedev defends completely cynical decisions doesn’t make him sincere – or the decisions any more defensible.
Russia’s Approaching Nonelection
If all goes according to plan, the Kremlin candidate will sweep the election as the standard-bearer of strength and stability. Whatever the next president’s name, the winner will be Putin.
Putin’s Bag of Tricks
Kremlin politics is so opaque that it functions like a sort of personality test. Optimists glean just enough hope to justify their wishful thinking, while pessimists find hints of the most monstrous conspiracy theories.
Medvedev Urges New Generation to Help Remake Russia
“In place of an archaic society where the leader thinks and decides for all, we will become a society of smart, free and responsible people,” Dmitry Medvedev said in his annual state-of-the-nation speech.
Former Putin Ally Kasyanov Warns West of Medvedev’s Modernization Drive
“We won’t participate in any legalization of Putin’s next term, as we understand it will be an imitation of an election,” Mikhail Kasyanov said. “I have no doubt that Putin has already decided to take back the presidency.”
Tina Turner, Deep Purple Play Kremlin at Gazprom Birthday Bash
When Tina Turner asked the audience: “Is everybody all right?” her question was met with silence. Most of the guests were middle-aged managers who remained in their seats during the show.
Demise of ‘Last Mohican’ Cements Medvedev Win Over Local Bosses
Yury Luzhkov’s ouster after 18 years as mayor of Moscow completes Russia’s purge of independent regional leaders begun during Vladimir Putin’s presidency.
