February 7th 2025.
In the world of politics, the future is always a topic of speculation. And right now, all eyes are on Vladimir Putin, the infamous Russian dictator who has ruled the country for over 25 years. As he approaches his 72nd birthday, there is much talk about who will succeed him when he eventually steps down from power. One Pulitzer-winning Russian journalist, Roman Anin, has made a chilling prediction about Putin's potential successor.
According to Anin, Putin is considering naming his former bodyguard, Alexei Dyumin, as his official heir. The 52-year-old Dyumin is best known for once saving Putin's life from a brown bear, a legendary tale that has only added to his reputation as a loyal and capable protector. If this move were to happen, Anin believes that Putin and Dyumin would immediately start preparing the Russian people for yet another war, as they see it as the only way to maintain their hold on power.
Anin's prediction may come as a surprise to many, as there is a common belief among analysts that Putin will rule until his death. However, Anin argues that Putin is well aware of the power dynamics within his regime, where several clans are constantly competing for influence and resources. He believes that Putin is preparing for a handover of power, where he will remain as a looming "father of the nation" figure, with his legacy and repressive rule intact.
But why would Putin choose Dyumin as his successor? According to Anin, Dyumin is the only person who meets all of Putin's criteria. He is someone that Putin trusts completely and believes will not betray him once given presidential powers. Additionally, Dyumin embodies the vision that Putin has for Russia, which includes a militarized dictatorship steeped in propaganda.
It's not just Anin who sees Dyumin as the leading candidate for succession. Putin's intelligence sources have also indicated that Dyumin is being groomed for the role. As a former deputy defense minister and colonel general, Dyumin has the necessary experience and political weight to align with Putin's vision for the future of Russia. He has also been groomed for administration, serving as a regional governor before being called back to work in the Kremlin.
Contrary to popular belief, Putin is not in poor health and is actually in better shape than he was during the early days of the Ukraine invasion. This has allowed him to focus on his plans for the future, which include setting up a State Council that he will eventually lead after handing over power to his chosen successor. And with Dyumin by his side, Putin hopes to rebrand himself as the "father of the nation" who will continue to guide and influence Russia from a sacred pedestal.
Some may argue that there are other potential candidates for Putin's heir, such as Sergey Kiriyenko, Boris Kovalchuk, and Dmitry Patrushev. However, Anin dismisses these claims, stating that they lack Dyumin's political weight and achievements in Putin's eyes. He also believes that Putin, who is known for his aggressive actions, will not hand over power to "kinder surprises" or the children of his close associates.
In the end, Anin's prediction may be a chilling one, but it is a reality that many in Russia have come to accept. As a journalist who was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize for their work on the Panama Papers, Anin understands the inner workings of the Russian government and the powerful figures within it. And it is his belief that Putin and Dyumin will continue to lead Russia down a path of militarization and propaganda, as it is the only way they know how to maintain their hold on power.
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