The Power Struggle Within the Kremlin
Recent reports suggest that a significant power struggle is unfolding within the Russian government, with Vladimir Putin’s daughter, Katerina Tikhonova, allegedly playing a pivotal role in efforts to remove Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov from his position. This development has sparked speculation about shifting dynamics within the Kremlin and the potential implications for Russia’s foreign policy, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Lavrov, who has served as Russia’s foreign minister for over two decades, has long been one of Putin’s most trusted allies. However, recent developments indicate that he may be losing influence. Despite being officially still in his role, Lavrov has not appeared at key meetings, including a recent security council session, and was stripped of his position as head of the Russian delegation at the upcoming G20 meeting in South Africa. These omissions have led to rumors that Putin has grown disillusioned with Lavrov’s approach to diplomacy.
According to Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for Putin, Katerina Tikhonova has been actively working behind the scenes to push for Lavrov’s removal. Gallyamov claims that Tikhonova has repeatedly urged her father to reconsider Lavrov’s role, arguing that his “aggressive” stance and “hawkish screeching” have hindered diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
Tikhonova’s concerns are not without merit. Lavrov has faced criticism for his handling of international relations, including a controversial phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in September, which some believe contributed to the U.S. reluctance to engage in peace talks. Additionally, Lavrov has been accused by some Kremlin officials of “sabotage” after refusing to participate in a peace process, leading to increased sanctions against Russia.
Gallyamov suggested that Putin may finally be listening to his daughter’s advice. He noted that Lavrov’s style of diplomacy—characterized by bluster and confrontation—is more suited to times when Russia is winning rather than when it is facing challenges. In the current context, where Russia is struggling to maintain its position on the global stage, a more reasonable and conciliatory approach may be needed.
The conflict between Tikhonova and Lavrov appears to extend beyond foreign policy. Tikhonova is closely associated with Kirill Dmitriev, a prominent figure in the Russian sovereign wealth fund and a key intermediary between Putin and the Trump administration. Lavrov reportedly opposed Dmitriev’s involvement in U.S. negotiations, even going so far as to remove a chair intended for him during a meeting.
Gallyamov described Lavrov as a “hardliner” whose actions have exacerbated conflicts rather than resolved them. He argued that in the current climate, where Putin faces mounting pressure from both domestic and international fronts, Lavrov is no longer seen as an asset.
Despite these tensions, Lavrov has recently reemerged in the public eye, accusing the United States of reneging on promises made during a 2017 meeting between Putin and then-President Donald Trump in Alaska. He claimed that the U.S. had assured Russia that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would not obstruct peace efforts, but this has not materialized.
If the allegations about Tikhonova’s influence are true, they highlight a growing shift in power dynamics within the Putin regime. Tikhonova, who is married to ballet dancer Igor Zelensky, has begun making appearances at conferences and on television, signaling a gradual move into the public sphere.
Gallyamov has previously suggested that Tikhonova could be a potential successor to Putin, backed by influential figures such as Mikhail Kovalchuk, a close associate of the president. Tikhonova is known for her interest in high-tech industries and her role in circumventing sanctions imposed on Russia.
While she is not openly critical of the war in Ukraine, Tikhonova is believed to advocate for a more diplomatic approach, emphasizing soft power over military action. Her personal life also reflects a blend of privilege and secrecy, with reports of expensive beauty treatments and private jet travel.
As the situation in Russia continues to evolve, the role of Tikhonova and other members of the Putin family remains a subject of intense interest and speculation. Whether she will ultimately emerge as a key player in the country’s future remains to be seen.