Post-Putin Russia: Who Will Take the Reins?

As Vladimir Putin’s grip on power weakens – due to circumstances and age – the question of who might follow him is no longer speculative – it’s urgent.

With Russia facing mounting battlefield setbacks, economic strain, and growing internal unease, the future of the Kremlin is now a central issue for global security.

In this exclusive Kyiv Post interview, political analyst Jason Jay Smart speaks with Jonathan Fink, the founder of the influential YouTube channel Silicon Curtain, to examine the forces reshaping Russia from within.

Fink, known for his in-depth coverage of Kremlin disinformation and authoritarian collapse, offers a clear-eyed view of the uncertainty unfolding in Moscow.

Drawing on recent developments inside Russia, he outlines the risks of a disorderly transition and the potential contenders waiting in the wings.

The conversation also explores how Ukraine’s resistance is not only shifting the battlefield – but also influencing political dynamics behind Russia’s closed doors.

This interview is essential viewing for anyone trying to understand what’s coming next for Russia. As Putin’s position grows increasingly fragile, Fink and Smart provide insight into how the West can respond, what a post-Putin Russia might look like, and why strategic clarity will be critical in the months ahead.