Putin’s Domestic Pivot to the East
Andrey Pertsev sums up the political week (10−14 August)
Vladimir Putin has resumed a series of visits to Siberia and the Far East, marking a shift from his previously reduced travel during the Ukraine invasion. These visits are aimed at bolstering support for his political allies, as United Russia's popularity hinges on the president's personal popularity. Putin meets with governors and listens to their concerns, presenting the tour as a central component of United Russia's campaign.
The timing is strategic, as the State Duma campaign is underway and the party still needs to adopt its program. The choice of regions is deliberate, with visits to Krasnoyarsk Krai, Novosibirsk Region, Buryatia, Omsk, and Sakhalin, each chosen for specific reasons such as defense importance, electoral weight, or historical ties.
Putin's visits to the Kuril Islands aim to reignite tensions with Japan. Although residents outside the visited regions may feel overlooked, the tour is expected to continue, with possible visits to western regions before the September Eastern Economic Forum. The tour has drawn both appreciation and criticism, with residents expressing annoyance over disruptions and bureaucratic gains for local officials.
Critics argue that the president's focus on regional visits contradicts his stance on negotiating with Ukraine, potentially harming his and United Russia's ratings.
Written by urgent.news from Riddle Russia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
