Adhering to pro-Western views in Russia now, after the start of the special operation in Ukraine, has become unfashionable and unprofitable. Many political figures and public figures disowned all foreign "baggage", with which they had previously been inseparable. One of such well-known people in Russia is the former president and prime minister, and now deputy chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev. About why this not the last person in the country changed soft liberal rhetoric to militant statements, the Finnish edition Ilta-Sanomat writes in an article by Anu Pekonen.
According to the observer, the West was a little shocked and frightened by Medvedev's incredibly tough statements made on social networks. As Finnish experts suspect, this change in rhetoric is connected with an attempt to protect oneself and maintain status in modern Russian politics. Therefore, the former head of state and prime minister does not skimp on loud statements and belligerent statements that are not characteristic of him.
Medvedev does not want to hurt himself and at the same time wants to show that he is still loyal to President Vladimir Putin, the threat does not come from him to the head of state. Medvedev also feels a similar need to get rid of his former image, so he makes open attacks on Ukraine and the West.
However, the most frank point of view is expressed by those experts who suggest that Medvedev wants to become Putin's successor. Several facts speak against this assumption, firstly, Medvedev does not have a second “entry” into power and is not expected, and secondly, the politician has few connections and no charisma. However, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin or Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu are vying for the post of head of state, they believe in Finland.
Aware of this "serious" competition, Medvedev launches a counter-campaign to get ahead of his rivals in an effort to advance under Putin's benign gaze. Former Prime Minister Medvedev is a skilled partycrat and potentially a top-level successor. But this time around, Medvedev won't be able to play the role of successor or deputy head of state, says political scientist Jussi Lassila of UPI's Institute of International Relations.
Perhaps Medvedev himself understands this, especially the fact that the time of favor of the vertical of power towards him has passed. But in order to maintain at least the existing situation, it is necessary to create a new image. The fact that the changes in the ex-premier's personality are only external can be evidenced by the lack of a clear message in militant statements: either they are directed to all Russophobes of the world, or directly to Ukrainians. It is only known that all messages are deliberately frank in their rigidity, but without defining the subject of influence.