Who Is In Putin's Magic Circle

AGI – Who is in Vladimir Putin’s inner circle? The Kremlin boss has always depended on a deeply loyal environment. The question is: who is being listened to now, at one of the most fateful moments of your presidency?

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Putin’s magic circle

The question is: who is being listened to now, at one of the most fateful moments of your presidency?

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

He’s a longtime Putin confidant, but a lack of success in Ukraine could leave him isolated. Prigozhin, the Wagner boss, became increasingly critical of Shoigu.

Sergei Shoigu

Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov

It was his job to invade Ukraine and get the job done quickly. He’s another leader Prigozhin wants to see gone.

Valery Gerasimov

Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev

A supporter of Putin who worked with him in the KGB. Experts have described him as “the fiercest hawk”. The Security Council is an advisory body meant to formulate and administer security policy, but in reality it reports to Putin.

Nikolai Patrushev

Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Bortnikov

The FSB is the successor to the KGB and is Russia’s national security service, similar to MI5 in the UK. It is responsible for counterintelligence, counterterrorism and military surveillance. He is also responsible for countries of the former Soviet Union, such as Ukraine.

Alexander Bortnikov

SVR director Sergei Naryshkin

He remained at the President’s side for most of his career and heads the SVR, which deals with intelligence and espionage outside of Russia.

Sergey Naryshkin

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

He is Russia’s top diplomat but appears to have been left out of the picture when it came to making decisions about the war in Ukraine.

Sergey Lavrov

Chairwoman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko

The Federation Council, also known as the Senate, voted to confirm the deployment of Russian forces abroad, paving the way for an invasion.

Valentina Matviyenko

Director of the National Guard Viktor Zolotov

Solotov, a former bodyguard of Putin, now heads the Rosgvardia, which is almost Putin’s personal army. It is separate from the Russian military and reports directly to the President.