Story perspectives

Russian elites ditch Putin rhetoric as leader hides in bunkers

5/17/2026

Center

Putin Faces Elite Dissent

A former senior Kremlin official says Russian elites have stopped using language about President Vladimir Putin, indicating rising internal dissent.
Vladimir Putin appointed Alexander Shuvayev interim governor of Belgorod and Yegor Kovalchuk acting governor of Bryansk on 14 May 2026.
Political analysts say no successor to Putin exists because he has eliminated or discredited rivals.
Experts report Putin has confined himself to underground bunkers and heightened security amid assassination fears.

Left

Putin China Visit

Russia’s overdue intercompany debts surged to a record $109 billion by January, highlighting deepening structural stress in the Russian corporate sector.
President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to make an official visit to China on May 19–20.
State polls show Putin’s approval fell to 65.6% from 77.8% earlier this year.
The IMF ranks Russia 66th in GDP per capita at $18,530, below the $66,180 average.

History

Historical Context

In August 1998, after war-driven deficits and the Asian crisis, Finance Minister Kiriyenko raised GKO rates to 150% and the IMF approved a $22.6 billion package, yet Russia devalued the ruble on 17 August and defaulted on domestic debt. The fallout sparked a power struggle between President Yeltsin and parliament, reshaping Kremlin authority. Today President Vladimir Putin faces strain, with large intercompany debts, echoing the 1998 turmoil.

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Putin Faces Elite Dissent

A former senior Kremlin official says Russian elites have stopped using language about President Vladimir Putin, indicating rising internal dissent.
Vladimir Putin appointed Alexander Shuvayev interim governor of Belgorod and Yegor Kovalchuk acting governor of Bryansk on 14 May 2026.
Political analysts say no successor to Putin exists because he has eliminated or discredited rivals.
Experts report Putin has confined himself to underground bunkers and heightened security amid assassination fears.

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