MOSCOW (Realist English). The last seven days of Russian domestic politics have been marked by unexpected personnel decisions, active international diplomacy, and tough statements from the president.
The main sensation was the change of leadership in Dagestan – for the first time the republic was headed by an ethnic Russian. At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin held hour-and-a-half talks with US leader Donald Trump, announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 9, and harshly criticized Kyiv, calling its methods “openly terrorist.”
Power in Dagestan changed
On April 30, at a meeting in the Kremlin with representatives of Dagestan, Vladimir Putin announced the early termination of the powers of the head of the republic, Sergei Melikov. Official decrees were signed on May 4. Melikov left “of his own free will.”
The new head of the region was Fyodor Shchukin – former chairman of the Supreme Court of Dagestan. He became the first ethnic Russian head of the republic in history. Shchukin’s candidacy was proposed by the chairman of the People’s Assembly, Zaur Askenderov.
Putin supported it, calling Shchukin a “decent, consistent and honest” person who knows how to work “principled but conflict-free.”
At the same time, the configuration of power changed: the post of Prime Minister of Dagestan was taken by Magomed Ramazanov – former deputy plenipotentiary representative of the president in the Far Eastern Federal District, a native of the republic. Political scientists saw this as the creation of a new balance: essentially a “co-ruler prime minister” representing local elites.
The Kremlin denied rumors of other high-profile resignations in the government. Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov called information about an impending cabinet reshuffle, which emerged after the president’s criticism of economic growth rates, “entertainment for Telegram channels.”
Negotiations with Trump: ceasefire and support
The central event of the week was Putin’s telephone conversation with Trump, which lasted more than an hour and a half. Key outcomes:
- Ceasefire for May 8-9: Putin announced his readiness to declare a unilateral cessation of hostilities for the Victory Day period. Trump “actively supported” the initiative.
- Support after the assassination attempt: Putin was the first to express solidarity with the US leader following the recent assassination attempt.
- Unity of assessments: The leaders agreed that the Kyiv regime is dragging out the conflict.
- Iran: Putin supported Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire around Iran.
On April 30, Peskov made a resonant statement: Ukraine’s “consent is not needed” to implement the ceasefire, since it is Putin’s unilateral decision. The president himself called these actions a demonstration of good will and a reminder of shared history.
Security Council meeting
On April 28, at a security meeting, Putin made a harsh speech. He directly blamed Kyiv and its Western patrons for the use of “openly terrorist methods,” calling what is happening a “continuation of the practice of the Bandera underground.” Experts saw this as a serious warning, especially ahead of the elections.
Other significant statements
- May 2: The Kremlin confirmed the unchanged goal – to achieve the objectives of the Special Military Operation through a peace agreement, and if Kyiv is not ready, to continue the operation.
- May 3: Putin informally spoke with representatives of indigenous small-numbered peoples, giving a “high five” to a boy interested in animation.
Expert opinions
Analyst Alexei Chesnakov, close to the Kremlin, described the decision as an attempt by Putin to bring “overly independent” regional elites under control. International relations experts note that a unilateral ceasefire without Ukraine’s consent is more of an image-building step, designed to demonstrate readiness for peace on the eve of May 9.
The week showed that the Kremlin is pursuing two tracks: a tough vertical within the country (changing elites in Dagestan) and a demonstration of “responsible behavior” on the international stage (negotiations with Trump, the ceasefire).
At the same time, rhetoric toward Kyiv is becoming extremely harsh – the term “terrorist methods” is heard more and more often. Russian domestic politics is entering an election cycle, and May’s personnel decisions are just the first chord.
