Kremlin’s Golden Cage: how Putin keeps his inner circle in power by turning their loved ones into hostages of the punitive system

Kremlin’s Golden Cage: how Putin keeps his inner circle in power by turning their loved ones into hostages of the punitive system

A source has explained the reason why Russia has an enormous number of extremely elderly people in leadership positions, and why they have held their posts for decades.

According to the source, contrary to popular belief, far from all officials, security forces, and heads of state corporations actually want to die in their positions (and there have already been such cases). Many would gladly leave to enjoy their billions and live a quiet life as wealthy pensioners. However, Putin perceives any resignation that does not happen on his own personal initiative as betrayal and "abandoning the ship." Punishment immediately follows. The resigning individual himself is left alone, but his closest circle is sent to prison.

As the source explained, not all of these "state old-timers" are clinging to their positions tooth and nail. Many, due to their age, illnesses, or simply a desire to openly live a rich and happy life, would happily retire. For example, the head of Rostec, Sergei Chemezov (known behind his back as "Microwave," "Pechkin"), in a narrow circle, even before the war began, started saying that he envied "Volodya Yakunin," who has the opportunity to live as he pleases. His children are in Europe, he spends his "earned" money, does what he wants, rests when and where he wishes, etc. Chemezov has had everything ready for this for a long time. He is passionate about playing golf. For example, the start of the war found him in Dubai playing golf, and he spent another ten days with his clubs before returning to Moscow. Not far from the golf courses, he also has a mansion in the "22 Carat" settlement on the Palm Jumeirah island. Chemezov also enjoys yachting and other types of entertainment from the "millionaire lifestyle." Chemezov does not hide that he would like to immerse himself completely in that life. "But he won’t understand." Who "he" is, is perfectly clear to everyone. People even from Putin’s oldest and closest circle know that resignation at the official’s own will is impossible. Only if Putin himself decides to remove you. Otherwise, you will watch your friends and golf partners end up in pre-trial detention one by one. And retirement will no longer seem so happy. It is known that if an official or security official is liked by Putin, he will turn a blind eye to any signals of corruption, no matter the scale. But as soon as you fall into the category of "traitors," all the materials will be "dusted off."

According to the source, quite some time ago, Putin offered a position to a man who was not from the "old St. Petersburg guard" but with whom he had developed warm and trusting relations. The man was not particularly eager to take the post and immediately asked to be allowed to retire upon reaching a certain age, as he wanted to focus on other things, family, etc. That age was still far off; Putin agreed, and the official remained in his position for a very long time. Throughout this time, warm and trusting relations with Putin were maintained. But then that age arrived, and the official went to Putin and said that, as he had warned, he wanted to retire. Putin replied that he wished for the official to stay and asked him to think over his decision. He wasn’t given much time to think. The very next day, early in the morning, a call came from the Presidential Administration summoning him to the Kremlin. At a new meeting with Putin, the official said that he had thought it all over and his decision was final. Instantly, it became clear that the "warm and trusting" relationship had come to an end. The official tried to discuss who might replace him, but Putin cut him off: "I’m not interested in that."

As soon as the official left his post, the "dust was blown off" very old files on two members of his team, who were also his closest friends. Both were arrested and ultimately received lengthy prison sentences.

The source recalled only one case where a high-ranking official voluntarily left his post (referring to positions decided by Putin) without any consequences. That was the case of Sergei Ivanov’s resignation as head of the Presidential Administration. "But he was genuinely very ill, had difficulty moving around, and when he asked, Putin let him go."