Dmitry Medvedev: Putin’s Secret Weapon in Power Politics. From President to Puppet—or Kingmaker? Dmitry Medvedev left a mark on the Russian presidency when he held the position as Putin orchestrated his play. He is one of the most enigmatic. As Putin consolidates control...
Dmitry Medvedev: Putin’s Secret Weapon in Power Politics. From President to Puppet—or Kingmaker? Dmitry Medvedev left a mark on the Russian presidency when he held the position as Putin orchestrated his play. He is one of the most enigmatic. As Putin consolidates control of Russia and Ukraine war rumbles on, in March 2025, Medvedev’s role is ever so ambiguous—and fascinating. Is he an obedient soldier, a sidelined relic or a dark horse waiting in the wings? The Medvedev Paradox: Soft-Spoken Hardliner. Once characterized as the “liberal reformer” of 2008-2012, Medvedev has reinvented himself as one of Putin’s most fiery nationalist hawks. The Kremlin's unofficial attack dog is known for his nuclear threat rants on telegram against the West. "The West will fall like a house of cards. Russia’s future is empire. Will you tell what more is in store for the world?” Taking stock: does he still really want power? What is Dmitry Medvedev plotting for 2025? 1. The War in Ukraine. Paraphrase this (13 words): Role: Putin’s deputy Security Council chairman—a title with vague power but loud rhetoric. In February 2025, he sent up a trial balloon about the “annexation of Kharkiv”, shocking even hardliners. Goal: Keep Western diplomats guessing. Is he telling us an escalation is coming, or is he simply cashing in his paycheque from the Kremlin? 2. Domestic Machinations. Medvedev has apparently been promised something in exchange for his endorsement of Putin's 97% "victory" in the 2024 elections. His connections with security elites (FSB, military) are a strong indication that he is not just all talk. 3. The Nuclear Saber-Rattler. He Makes Threats to Start "Armageddon" 9 words In March 2025, Russia claimed it had developed new ‘unstoppable missiles;’ likely a hint at Satan-2. Contemplating Medvedev's Future: An Unanswered Question Scenario 1: Putin’s Lifelong Sidekick. Kept Around: A loyalist mouthpiece who is useful for frightening the West. Medvedev may be viewed as a ‘weak link’ and purged. The second scenario is the dark horse. Why It’s Possible. He’s less toxic globally than Putin (though barely). The elite may consider him a transition figure. Why It’s Unlikely. Putin trusts no one. Medvedev’s 1990s liberal past still haunts him. Scenario 3: The Fall Guy. If Russia’s war effort collapses, they might blame and sacrifice Medvedev. Medvedev’s Propaganda Campaign against the Western World. With over three million subscribers, Dmitry Medvedev uses his Telegram channel to deliver everything from nuclear threats and memes to rants about ‘decadent Europe’. The newest obsession of Russia President was post on them claiming that the US is planning to do breakup Russia with further wars. The Irony of Medvedev. Smiling with Obama in the photo, to ‘reset’ the West Currently (2025): Smugly boasts about "destroying the liberal world order." What Changed? Putin’s Russia—where survival means out-hawking the hawks. What’s Next? Watch For. Will Putin give him more responsibility or brush him off? Will Medvedev’s Words Translate Into Actual Shift in Policies? If Putin leaves (health or a coup), is Medvedev set to take action or will he get sidelined? Your Turn: What’s Medvedev’s Endgame? Is he just Putin’s puppet, or does he have his own agenda? Will he ever lead Russia again or will he be mere footnote? Does the West take his threats seriously—or is he all bark? Sound off below!
