Russian President Vladimir Putin has made significant changes within the Kremlin, demoting long-time Cold War warrior Nikolai Patrushev and promoting two younger allies in key positions.
Patrushev, who has been serving as the Secretary of the Security Council since 2008, has been removed from his position and appointed as a special presidential envoy for environmental protection, ecology, and transport. This move is seen as a shift away from the traditional security-focused approach that Patrushev represented.
In his place, Putin has elevated two younger officials - Dmitry Medvedev and Sergei Ivanov. Medvedev, a former prime minister and close ally of Putin, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Security Council. Ivanov, who previously served as the head of the Presidential Administration, has been named as the new special presidential representative for the Middle East and Africa.
These changes are seen as part of Putin's efforts to bring in a new generation of leaders and diversify the expertise within the Kremlin. The demotion of Patrushev, a staunch advocate of Russia's national security interests, signals a potential shift in priorities towards environmental protection and international relations.
Putin's decision to promote Medvedev and Ivanov reflects his trust in their abilities and loyalty, as well as a desire to modernize and adapt to changing global dynamics. The reshuffling of key positions within the Kremlin is likely to have far-reaching implications for Russia's domestic and foreign policies in the coming years.
