I tend to think it has more to do with holding onto power past 2024, but it could just as easily be for his legacy as he warms to a transition. It seemed like the humiliation of Naryshkin was meant to undercut any hopes out there that he might someday move to the center of power. Shoygu, the defense minister is gettt his time in the spotlight thanks to this.
Transition to what? He's reportedly the world's richest man. He's cracking on a bit. It's either for his own ego to leave a mark, or because of some insane reason I can't fathom.
The go out to make a name sounds plausible, I think he's said "fuck it, what should I do before I can't do anything and snuff it to return the USSR to glory"
Shouldn't have been allowed to happen.
Over the last few days when everyone shook thier heads and said no more free coffee or low APR loans for Russia, they should have been saying *back off motherfucker, knock that shit off".
If NATO had any bollocks it would accept Ukraine in the next hour and help them.