Elites worry as political rivalry gains momentum: ISW on the mood in Russia before Putin's «inauguration».

On the eve of the so-called "inauguration" of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, a new wave of rivalry for influential positions in the government has begun among Kremlin officials. Russian elites are trying to secure influential roles for themselves if dictator Putin leaves power prematurely.

In particular, the Kremlin officials have begun to actively speculate about who will be part of the new government after Putin's "inauguration." This is stated in the analysis of the Institute for War Studies.

Sources in the Kremlin told Russian "opposition" media that some elites are "tense", hoping for promotion and worrying about demotion. Kremlin officials are also trying to take the "highest position" in case Putin's upcoming six-year term turns out to be his last.

However, analysts have noted that there is currently no indication that Putin intends to step down from power after his upcoming dictatorial term. Therefore, the Kremlin leader's possible efforts to create elites who will succeed him, as well as the elites' efforts to position themselves in the government, are probably premature.

At the same time, some sources close to the Kremlin suggest that Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin or First Deputy Chief of Staff to the Russian President Sergei Kiriyenko could become the next prime minister, while other sources have expressed doubt that the current Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, will resign.

At the same time, sources in the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation claim that members of the State Duma are already ready to re-approve Mishustin as prime minister. Two sources close to Putin's administration and the Russian government said that the deputy prime minister and the dictator's representative in the Far Eastern Federal District, Yuri Trutnev, and the governor of the Kemerovo region, Sergey Tsivilyov, want new positions in the Russian government.

ISW believes that the changes in the positions of the Russian elite are unlikely to affect decision-making and policy planning within the country or internationally. Dictator Putin is still focused on conservatism, eliminating all dissenters, winning the war against Ukraine, and "turning to the East," probably meaning deepening Russia's relations with China, Iran, and North Korea. To this end, Putin is trying to create ideological homogeneity among the Russian elite.

As a reminder, there will be no U.S. representative at the inauguration ceremony of the aggressor country's president, Vladimir Putin. The White House does not consider these elections to be free.

Earlier, it was reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Europe will begin on May 6 and last until May 10. This means that none of the superpower leaders who could attend the "inauguration" of Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin will be present at the event.

As reported, most European Union countries will boycott the Kremlin's ceremony. However, seven EU states may send representatives to the event which is being organized by the Russians on May 7.

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