For what it's worth I read another article that said that when Putin leaves (probably due to old age) his replacement will probably come from his inner circle who will be of a similar mind to Putin and about his age. That figure will probably be a transitional one and not long lasting. The real opportunity will be when the next leader comes from someone now in their 50s who will be old enough to remember Russia having good relations with the West. It wouldn't surprise me if they made the judgement that the West was a better group to be dependend on than China.
For what it's worth I read another article that said that when Putin leaves (probably due to old age) his replacement will probably come from his inner circle who will be of a similar mind to Putin and about his age. That figure will probably be a transitional one and not long lasting. The real opportunity will be when the next leader comes from someone now in their 50s who will be old enough to remember Russia having good relations with the West. It wouldn't surprise me if they made the judgement that the West was a better group to be dependend on than China.
I’m likewise curious about the succession plan.