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
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.
Putin’s Shadow Looms Over Mayoral Race in Olympic City of Sochi
Vladislav Funtyakov, a member of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, is losing the faith. When the Sochi city councilman tried to enter the mayoral race in his hometown, site of the 2014 Winter Olympics, his application was rejected.
Putin’s China Visit Helps Russia Become Global Energy Supplier
Russia agreed to supply China with oil for 20 years in return for a $25 billion credit. The total value of oil deals signed with Chinese companies this year is about $100 billion.
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.”
A Weakened Putin Is Questioned Abroad, Under Siege at Home
When Vladimir Putin takes the presidential oath of office for a third time, he will be facing two unexpected new challenges that will rattle and shake his once formidable power base.
Putin Uses Railway to Expand Russian Influence in North Korea
Russian Railways, the state-run monopoly led by Putin confidant Vladimir Yakunin, is planning to complete a rail line crossing the North Korean-Russian border.
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.
Iran Wins Neighbors’ Pledge Not to Help U.S. Attack
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad played up a regional summit to fete Vladimir Putin as a friend of the Islamic Republic.
