Welcome back, everyone. After what I hope was a happy holiday for all, and as we approach the end of a generally — how to describe it? — stressful year for the world, it is clear that the news did not take a vacation while we were opening gifts and loading up on eggnog. So let’s jump right in, shall we?

Starting with this guy . . .

As of five days ago, it seems the Russian President had missed at least two significant events, instead sending two of his favorite puppets to act and speak for him: Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Kremlin Spokesman Dmitri Peskov. Maybe he was indulging in a little holiday de-stressing at a favorite Siberian spa; even a president is entitled to some time off.

But to miss this . . .

. . . is practically unheard-of in diplomatic circles. You don’t normally send an underling — even a high-ranking one — to meet with the leader of another country, and especially if that other country is your currently most valuable strategic ally. But in really dire circumstances, of course, you might have no choice but to assign your vice-president (or prime minister) to the job, which is what was done in this case; Mikhail Mishustin traveled to China for a two-day meeting with Xi Jinping and his Premier, Li Qiang.

In Putin’s absence, Mishustin was probably the best choice for a meeting focused on strengthening trade, transport, e-commerce, and other vital issues of economic cooperation, since his background is primarily in the area of economics. And Putin had recently met with Xi, though primarily to discuss an agreement on a swap of weapons for technology.

But in light of the recent spate of rumors of Putin’s alleged illness, one wonders: where was he last week, and what was the dire circumstance that was important enough to keep him from another meeting with his BFF in China?

Hmmm . . . As with so much that happens in Russia, we’ll probably never know.

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The second item is not so much an event as an accusation in search of a direct response.

On December 22, 2023, the Wall Street Journal published an article detailing the manner in which Yevgeny Prigozhin — then head of the Russian mercenary army known as the Wagner Group — was killed . . . and on whose orders. We know that he — along with two of his top Wagner leaders, four bodyguards, and three crew members — died in the crash of his private plane on August 23, 2023. Until now, the Kremlin has denied knowledge of any foul play, writing it off as an accident such as mechanical failure or pilot error. Or, more fancifully, that a hand grenade — presumably belonging to the Wagner Group itself — may have detonated on the plane. They have also denied that the crash had anything to do with Prigozhin’s failed attempt at a mutiny against Russia’s Defense Ministry just two months earlier. The classic Kremlin response: Deny, deny, deny.

But now, Western intelligence officials and an unnamed former Russian intelligence officer have told the Wall Street Journal that Prigozhin was indeed targeted and killed — no, assassinated — on the orders of none other than Putin’s long-time loyal friend, former head of the KGB’s successor agency the FSB, and now Secretary of Russia’s Security Council: Nikolai Platonovich Patrushev.

The informing intelligence officer presented details, specifically, that “Patrushev gave orders to his assistant in August to design an operation that would kill Prigozhin.” Further, according to Western intelligence, “A small bomb was put under the plane’s wing during a delay when safety inspectors were looking at the aircraft.”

And what has Vladimir Putin had to say about this serious accusation? Absolutely nothing. Not a single word, as far as I can determine. As has become his custom more and more frequently, what little he has to say has come from the mouth of his loyal Charlie McCarthy . . . excuse me, Dmitry Peskov . . . the Kremlin’s official spokesman (the equivalent of the U.S. White House press secretary). In this case, even Peskov said he wouldn’t comment. But then he turned right around and did just that, saying: “Lately, unfortunately, The Wall Street Journal has been very fond of producing pulp fiction.”

And Mr. Peskov appears now to have become rather fond of American movie jargon. “Pulp fiction”?? What’s next — an adaptation of Donald Trump’s favorite: “fake news”? That’s cute, Dmitry. But it won’t make us like you any better.

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As for Nikolai Patrushev, I’ve already introduced him at some length in two earlier blog posts, both dated November 8th of this year. I suggested then that we keep an eye on him, and I am now more convinced than ever that I was right. He is considered by some to be on the short list of possible successors to Putin in the event . . . oh, I dare not say it! Heeding my own frequently-offered advice, I must be careful what I wish for. Because as bad as U.S.-Russian relations are now, they can — though it may be difficult to believe — become even worse.

In Russia, there is always something worse.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
12/27/23