The Washington Post has outlined seven key figures who could potentially succeed Vladimir Putin as Russia’s leader. According to the publication, the political landscape is dominated by clans consisting of military, intelligence, and business elites, making it difficult to identify a clear successor.
Among the potential candidates is Mikhail Mishustin, the current Prime Minister of Russia. He is considered the first in line for succession, as the Russian Constitution grants him the authority to assume presidential powers if necessary. However, journalist Ilyushina notes that among influential security elites, he is viewed as an outsider.
Alexei Dyumin, who has previously served as Putin’s bodyguard, has extensive experience in the security and military sectors. His roles have included Deputy Chief of the GRU, leading special operations forces, and Deputy Minister of Defense before becoming Governor of Tula and, in 2024, Secretary of the Security Council.
Dmitry Patrushev represents a powerful clan tied to Russia’s elite. His father, Nikolai Patrushev, is a former FSB director and current Secretary of the Security Council. In 2024, he unsuccessfully lobbied for his son to be appointed Prime Minister instead of Mishustin.
Boris Kovalchuk, son of oligarch Yuri Kovalchuk, who is known as a close associate and personal banker of Putin, has also been mentioned. In 2024, Kovalchuk was appointed head of the Audit Chamber, despite his father’s attempts to place him in key positions within Russian energy companies.
Denis Manturov has been a significant figure in the Ministry of Industry and Trade for over a decade, transitioning to the defense industry in 2022 and becoming First Deputy Prime Minister in 2024. His connections within the military-industrial complex grant him informal influence among security personnel.
Sergio Sobyanin has served as the Mayor of Moscow since 2010 and previously led Putin’s presidential administration. He also managed Dmitry Medvedev’s 2008 election campaign.
Finally, Sergey Kiriyenko, who served as Prime Minister during Boris Yeltsin’s era and currently oversees internal Kremlin policy, has been recognized for grooming a new generation of officials through the “Time of Heroes” program aimed at preparing war veterans for public service roles. However, many graduates have only received advisory or symbolic positions, lacking real power.
