6 people predicted to join Putin in the Kremlin - Who are they?
(Baonghean.vn) - Winning an overwhelming victory in the election on March 18, who will Russian President Vladimir Putin bring into the Kremlin during his fourth term?
1. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev
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| After four years as Russian president, Mr. Medvedev handed over the top position in the Kremlin to Mr. Putin in 2012 and has been prime minister ever since. Mr. Medvedev has always been absolutely loyal to President Putin and he could be one of the first people to accompany Mr. Putin to the Kremlin during his fourth term as president. |
2. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu
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| Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is the face behind the modernization of the Russian military, most recently linked to Russia's victory in the war against terrorism in Syria. Mr. Shoigu is one of the rare members of President Putin's cabinet who is not part of the group of close figures who worked closely with him during his time working in the St. Petersburg city government. |
3. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
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| Appointed as foreign minister in 2004, Sergei Lavrov has made a significant contribution to Russian diplomacy, gaining international recognition. He is also responsible for resolving Russia's troubled relations with the West. A tough negotiator, Lavrov, 67, has defended Russia's position around the world. He has also demonstrated his ability through the crises in Ukraine and Syria. |
4. Businessman Igor Sechin
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| An old friend of President Putin, Mr. Igor Sechin is currently the leader of the state-owned oil and gas corporation Rosneft. With his ability, Igor Sechin has turned Rosneft into a global "giant". Mr. Igor Sechin is often considered the second most powerful figure in Russia and is expected to continue to stand by President Putin after this year's Russian election. |
5. Economist Elvira Nabiullina
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| Elvira Nabiullina was appointed head of the Russian Central Bank in 2013. Financial circles have praised Nabiullina's management of the severe economic crisis that hit Russia in 2014. Under her leadership, the Russian central bank adopted unpopular methods to help the Russian economy avoid collapse during the crisis. |
6. Reformer Alexei Kudrin
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| He served as Russia’s Finance Minister from 2000-2001 under former President Medvedev. He then returned to politics as an advisor to President Putin during the election campaign. Mr. Kudrin’s return to the Kremlin, although unlikely, would be a “gift” for those hoping for the prospect of Russia normalizing relations with the West. |
