- Influential Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev is committed to global stability
- Patrushev criticizes arms supplies to Ukraine
Russia wants to reach political and diplomatic agreements as soon as possible, but talks have been frozen due to Kyiv’s fault, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said in a statement on the war in Ukraine. “The destructive actions of the United States, Britain and their allies have led to the cessation of the Russian-Ukrainian dialogue,” complained a senior official who is among President Vladimir Putin’s closest associates.
Surprising offer from Moscow
Patrushev’s statement is surprising, because he recently threatened that the tasks of the so-called “Special military operation” in Ukraine will be carried out, with Russia not setting deadlines. “We are not pursuing deadlines,” Patrushev said, explaining that all the goals set by the Russian president will be met – “it cannot be otherwise, because the truth, including the historical one, is on our side.”
Patrushev now recalls that Russia has tried in vain to engage in dialogue with the United States and NATO over the years, warning against encouraging Kyiv’s bid to join the Alliance and supplying the country with weapons. The Secretary of the Security Council expressed outrage at “promoting the militaristic and Nazi-Russophobic sentiments of the regime in Kyiv.”
“Washington and London acted in a similar way before the outbreak of World War II, preferring to ignore Hitler’s aggressive plans and even support them, hoping to direct the Nazi regime’s actions against Moscow, which ultimately led to the loss of dozens millions of lives, “Patrushev stressed.
The Kremlin is ready to work for global security
Moscow is aware of its responsibility to maintain global stability and seeks to prevent deteriorating relations between the two countries, especially on security issues.
“Russia seeks to prevent the deterioration of international relations. As a nuclear state and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, it is aware of its responsibility to maintain global stability. We are interested in open, honest, predictable and stable cooperation with all partners. to maintain peace and counter common threats and challenges, “said Nikolai Patrushev.
The West is seeking to put pressure on Russia by supplying arms to Ukraine and stepping up already heavy sanctions against the country, which overshadow security concerns. “Such actions are counterproductive. They artificially prolong the conflict and also lead to more human casualties and destruction, “Patrushev said.
Why Patrushev’s statements are important
When Nikolai Patrushev speaks, the world listens, because he is widely considered to be Vladimir Putin’s successor, especially if something happens to the Russian president and a quick change of government is required. According to a number of sources, Patrushev has the greatest influence in Russia on the Russian head of state. Moreover, the head of the Security Council of the Russian Federation is considered one of the key architects of military strategy in Ukraine. He is also the man who put into action the rhetoric that Kyiv is in the hands of neo-Nazis who must be eliminated.
Nikolai Patrushev, 70, is one of the Kremlin’s most influential people on all issues. He is often compared to Putin himself, because his biography bears many similarities to that of the current head of state. The two were born in St. Petersburg (then Leningrad), studied together at the KGB Academy “Felix Dzerzhinsky”, made a career in the secret services. When Putin became president in 1999, Patrushev took over as head of intelligence at the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB.
The dangerous connections of a possible leader
In addition to being a staunch ally of the Kremlin’s main occupier, Patrushev is said to be one of the perfect hardliners among Putin’s elite. He is adamant that the West wants to divide Russia. Patrushev rarely speaks in public, but when he speaks, especially after the start of the invasion of Ukraine, his predictions are increasingly dramatic. Observers note that in view of his advanced age, it is doubtful that Patrushev will permanently succeed Putin as leader. And his image is far from good.
Since 2006, Nikolai Patrushev has been cited by political commentators as one of Putin’s possible successors to the presidency. In the years that followed, there was speculation about many other names, but Patrushev was always on the list. However, what opponents and allies are worried about is that he does not even officially have a “pure” biography.
In the course of a lengthy judicial investigation into the 2006 assassination of former FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko, a London high court has ruled that Russian President Vladimir Putin was involved, albeit indirectly, in the affair, and Nikolai Patrushev was among the conspirators. Another case became known in 2018, when Patrushev appeared in the media as being involved in cocaine smuggling by the Russian embassy in Argentina.
What exactly is Nikolay Patrushev doing?
It is no coincidence that he is a longtime aide to President Putin. Political analysts in Russia describe him as a first-class professional in his field, whatever it is – officially and secretly. Patrushev is Secretary of the Security Council, a body for strategic planning and management, which is one of the most important institutions of the Russian Federation, which in 2021 turned 30 years old. In 14 of these years, the Council was chaired by Patrushev.
From his high position as secretary, he develops strategic guidelines for the country, which the Russian president defines in his speeches, and is also responsible for defining ideology – an always sensitive issue for Russia in its history. rarely and less.
To whom can President Putin, even from an ideological point of view, entrust his theses and his country? Of course, only to a close colleague who understands him and will not distort his covenant. He must be a person who also shares the values and views he preaches. Patrushev is very deep in these requirements, ideology and strategy are defined by him.
Patrushev and the fate of Ukraine
In Ukraine, predictions of what will happen if Patrushev replaces Putin are not positive. According to Kyiv authorities, he supports the aggressive imperial policy of the Russian Federation and will continue Putin’s traditions. Some Ukrainian politicians describe Nikolai Patrushev as an even “bigger scoundrel” than the current Russian head of state.
Patrushev’s surprising statement that Russia wants to reach political and diplomatic agreements to end the war as soon as possible was received with skepticism and undisguised hostility. In a Twitter post, adviser to Ukrainian President Vladimir Putin and chief negotiator with Russia Mikhail Podoliak wrote: “Classic ‘Russian style’: they are tearing down cities, organizing public executions, preparing annexation of territory, but still pretending to negotiate. If Patrushev wants dialogue, the words must be backed up by action: a ceasefire, a withdrawal of troops, a peace. “
Classic “Russian style”: destroying cities, arranging public executions, preparing an annexation, but still pretending to negotiate. If #Patrushev wants a dialogue, the words should be backed up by actions: a ceasefire, troops withdrawal, closure of the “🇷🇺 peace” project in 🇺🇦
– Mikhail Podolyak (@Podolyak_M) June 16, 2022
For the time being, Kyiv can only hope for a change of government in the Kremlin or a change in Russia’s priorities in view of the continuing weakness of Russia’s armed forces in the Western media and politicians. However, they certainly do not stop thinking that there are worse options…
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