The Divisions Inside Putin's Inner Circle

The fact that Mr. Shoyugu is still the defense minister is a clear indicator that for now, President Putin values loyalty more than he does competence. The problems that they have are so deeply embedded in the corruption of the culture that it's going to take more than just getting a really good minister of defense in there. I don't see any indications that there's another precaution like figure waiting to overthrow Putin. Tragically, I think Putin will hold on for much longer than this. But make no mistake, he's holding on as a weak leader.