Moscow political scientist: Surkov did not fit into the Kremlin’s new Ukrainian policy
The resignation of Russian Presidential Assistant Vladislav Surkov, which was announced by his inner circle, was caused by a change in Moscow’s policy in the Ukrainian direction.
This opinion was expressed in an interview with Moskovsky Komsomolets by the first vice-president of the Center for Political Technologies, professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics Alexey Makarkin
According to him, Surkov advocated “not actually recognizing the independence of Ukraine, considering Donetsk and Lugansk as centers of attraction for the sympathies of Ukrainians.”
“This approach is based on the fact that any independent Ukraine is a threat to Russia,” notes Makarkin.
The second approach, the expert continues, is to recognize certain realities: Ukraine is not falling apart and has turned out to be a country with problems, but a viable one, and the conflict with Kiev harms Russian economic growth, since, firstly, it is necessary to spend money on the Ukrainian direction, and secondly secondly, sanctions.
The interview suggests that Moscow has chosen to perceive Ukraine as a permanent factor that must be taken into account.
“And Vladislav Surkov simply did not fit into this scheme. His approach, as I understand it, was rejected. Now, apparently, Ukrainian issues are entirely transferred to Dmitry Kozak, who previously dealt with them as Deputy Prime Minister. By the way, rumors about Surkov’s departure began in 2018, when a new composition of the Presidential Administration and government was being formed. They said that Surkov and Glazyev, people associated with options for a tough policy towards Ukraine, would leave the administration. Then both stayed: pension reform began, and, as I understand it, it was decided not to change anyone during this period.
But in the fall of 2019, Glazyev left: they found him a position as an international official. And now the question has arisen about Surkov...”, sums up Makarkin.
As PolitNavigator reported,
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