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Putin’s Embrace of a Cult of Personality Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a notable shift in demeanor, Vladimir Putin has increasingly aligned himself with the notion of a personal cult, a concept he previously publicly resisted. This transformation has been particularly pronounced over the last three years of the military conflict he instigated in Ukraine.
During his recent annual press conference, Putin appeared more introspective and self-referential than he ever claimed to be. He remarked on how his personality has evolved, suggesting a detachment from humor, saying, “I joke less now, and I have almost stopped laughing.”
Even during Orthodox Christmas, a significant occasion in Russia, Putin discussed the war while attending a service at Christ the Savior Cathedral. In a revealing display, the Kremlin reported that he requested the country’s top spiritual leader to engrave his initials on chains for the crosses that soldiers wear.
During this event, Patriarch Kirill spoke highly of both Putin and the crosses blessed for soldiers. He emphasized the patronage of the Grand Duke Vladimir, a historical figure celebrated for defending the nation, highlighting Putin’s symbolic link to both the church and the state. This connection aims to resonate deeply with military personnel.
Political analysts and Kremlin insiders expressed surprise at this development. Abbas Galliamov, a former speechwriter for Putin, noted a stark change in Putin’s relationship with the idea of a cult-like status, stating that such a symbolic gesture would have seemed unimaginable in the past. He pointed out that Putin once prioritised a more restrained public image, as seen during his 2012 campaign when he declined to feature his face prominently.
Advocates for a personal cult surrounding Putin have existed within nationalist factions for years. Vyacheslav Volodin, a prominent Kremlin official, articulated this sentiment, asserting that Russia’s identity is inseparable from Putin himself.
The trend has been manifesting through various initiatives, such as the erection of a monument in St. Petersburg depicting Putin in a manner reminiscent of a Roman Emperor after the annexation of Crimea. Despite Putin’s insistence on his modesty and denial of portraying himself as a monarch, the Orthodox Church has notably incorporated his image into its narratives.
As the Russian political landscape evolves, the influence of the Orthodox Church is becoming more prominent. Clergy are increasingly integrated into public life, with proposals for priests to engage with journalists to reinforce church-state relations in the media.
Analyst Olga Bychkova noted that this augmented focus on portraying divine qualities is perhaps a strategy by Putin to maintain his popularity and legitimacy. She likened his approach to that of other populist leaders, emphasizing the potential for public disillusionment. “As time progresses, the absurdity of such efforts may become apparent to more people,” she stated, hinting at a growing frustration with Putin’s increasingly theatrical persona.
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