Stop asking about the new dance Putin's Kremlin puppet show is performing. His intent to be dictator for life was clear over a decade ago and the only way he'll leave power is in a box, just like his idol Stalin.
Dictatorships require the illusion of total control and predictability. Putin wants to make sure there are no doubts as to who's in charge through 2024 and beyond. As I wrote years ago, he wants to be Supreme Leader, not a mere president.
That Putin, like other dictators, still props up a facade of democracy and the constitution shows he sees and fears the people. It gives people something to talk about & deflects attention from the only person in real power for 20 years.
This lip service to the rule of law also gives free world leaders a feeble excuse not to treat Putin like the brutal dictator he is. To do pipeline business, launder his oligarchs' money, etc. It shows how much such approval & access matters to both sides.
Western media talking about "changes" and "what it all means" in Russia is a joke. It's a mafia dictatorship with Putin in charge—with prime minister Medvedev, Mishustin, or Putin's horse.
As Putin continues down this path of open dictatorship and flouting international law, he needs individual foreign leaders as allies even more. He’ll be desperate to keep Trump in the White House this year.
