Russia expert does not believe in Putin’s resignation: ‘He wants to die in office, anyway’

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The end of the war in Ukraine is not yet in sight. The same applies to the reign of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin (70). He has been in power for almost a quarter of a century and will continue to do so for a long time to come. Putin does not intend to resign just like that, according to Russia expert Fiona Hill (57). There is only one option for him. “He wants to die in office. It doesn’t matter which way,” she says in an interview with the German magazine “Stern”.

Hill worked as a Russia adviser to former US presidents George W. Bush (76) and Barack Obama (61) in the White House, among others. The security expert has been dealing with the Russian president for years – and notices a change.

“Economics used to be very important to Putin,” continues Hill. Today only historical greatness counts for him. Putin is trying to enter the history books at all costs. Just like other important historical figures of Russian history such as the tsars, for example Peter the Great (1672-1725).

Putin sticks to the time of the tsars

It seems as if Putin is mourning the times before the Soviet Union. “For Putin, this vast Russian empire is not something from a dark past,” the expert said. It is a chapter of horror for most Russians. Poverty, oppression and wars were part of daily life around the time of Peter the Great. But because of him, Russia became a power state in Europe. And the czar is Putin’s great role model.

Hill explains, “He pulls all these old treaties from the Kremlin’s archives and believes that every land Russia has ever conquered in its history belongs to Russia today.” Eastern Europe expert Alexander Wöll (54) said something similar to Blick in December. “Putin sees himself in the tradition of the tsars,” says the Slavist. “Like a tsar, he can give and take everything from his citizens.”

“He’s Gone Paranoid”

The corona pandemic could have sparked this desire for the great Russian empire in Putin. “Suddenly he was totally isolated. I don’t think he really interacted with people who could have dissuaded him from his ideas,” Hill explains. And, “I think Putin has become paranoid.”

The security expert considers it very likely that Putin gave the order to blow up the Kakhovka dam. The Kremlin chief repeatedly boasts that his father’s command destroyed the enemy’s infrastructure during World War II. She is also sure: “The action is also a sign that the Russians are preparing for a brutal battle.” (jwg)

Source: Blick