Today we will focus on the debate between hard line and soft line factions in the Kremlin, which was clearly visible during the Plenary Session of the St Petersburg Forum when political scientist Sergei Karaganov put unfriendly questions to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This segment will explore how this public exchange reflects ongoing struggles for power and policy direction within the Russian government.
In previous years, moderators for the Plenary Sessions of the St Petersburg Forum were typically American journalists who knew little about Russia but could draw a large Western audience. However, this year’s choice of Sergei Karaganov as moderator was quite peculiar, given his call in June 2023 for Russia to use tactical nuclear weapons against its enemies in response to Western provocations in and over Ukraine.
Karaganov’s questions to Putin were unfriendly and critical of Russian foreign and military policy, hinting at a power struggle within the Kremlin over how best to respond to the West. One key point he made is that Russia must quickly escalate its actions and win by shock and awe tactics; otherwise, millions of lives will be lost as the superpowers inch closer to nuclear war.
Putin argued against using nuclear weapons in this conflict since he believes that there is no immediate threat to Russia’s sovereignty or existence. Additionally, the Russian armed forces are making significant progress on the battlefield, pushing back the front line and causing heavy casualties among Ukrainian forces.
Karaganov also questioned Putin about Russia’s planned “asymmetrical” response to attacks on its territory. He wondered whether this would involve sending hypersonic missile-carrying ships to attack the enemies of Russia’s friends in the Middle East. Putin responded by saying that no such actions have been taken yet and emphasized that every future move will be carefully considered.
While some Russians may have enjoyed watching the sparring between Karaganov and Putin on stage, there are undoubtedly others who share concerns about ongoing struggles for power and policy direction within the Russian government. The debate between hard line and soft line factions is far from over, and it remains unclear which side will ultimately prevail.
In conclusion, the public exchange during the Plenary Session of the St Petersburg Forum provides insight into the ongoing power struggle within the Kremlin. It highlights the tension between those who advocate for aggressive tactics, such as using nuclear weapons, and those who prefer a more cautious approach to handling relations with the West. As this debate continues, it is essential for both Russians and international observers to remain vigilant about potential shifts in Russian foreign and military policy.