Archive · 11 Aug 2025
Kiriyenko: Putin's Key Strategist for Power and War in Russia
Imagine Russia has a super-important helper named Sergei Kiriyenko.
He used to be all about making friends with other countries, but now he helps President Putin run things.
He's in charge of a lot, like schools, the internet, and even places Russia has taken over.
He helps pick who gets to be in charge and makes sure people follow the rules.
He also played a big part in the war with Ukraine, even though he wasn't part of the original plan.
Kiriyenko is really good at his job and is now very powerful.
Sergei Kiriyenko is a key figure in tightening Putin's control over Russia.
He transitioned from a pro-Western reformer to a chief enabler of Putin's war.
Kiriyenko manages domestic politics, including elections and dissent crackdowns.
He is spearheading the Kremlin's control of the internet and indoctrinating schoolchildren.
Kiriyenko is the Kremlin's envoy to occupied Ukraine, planning sham referendums.
- Who
- Sergei Kiriyenko, a first deputy chief of staff to President Vladimir Putin.
- What
- Sergei Kiriyenko's role in the Russian government and his influence.
- When
- Since 2016 and particularly following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Where
- Russia, occupied Ukraine, and former Soviet countries.
- Why
- To consolidate power, manage domestic affairs, and oversee Russia's actions in Ukraine and other regions.
Pro-Western Reformers
Kremlin Loyalists
Ideological Shift
Pro-Western Reformers
Kiriyenko was once seen as a pro-Western reformer.
Kremlin Loyalists
Kiriyenko is now a key enabler of Putin's war against Ukraine.
- Position
- First Deputy Chief of Staff to President Putin
- Age
- 63
- Former Role
- Pro-Western reformer
- Current Focus
- Managing domestic politics, control of the internet, and governance of occupied Ukraine
- Key Alliance
- Yuri V. Kovalchuk