Kremlin’s High-Stakes Gambit: Secret Deals, a Presidential Double, and the Fight to Salvage Power in Syria

Kremlin Maneuver

In the aftermath of Russia’s significant strategic failure in Syria, the Kremlin appears to be engaging in a peculiar and high-stakes geopolitical manoeuvre. According to prior intelligence, Moscow has reached tentative agreements with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to maintain a Russian military presence in Syria. However, the reliability of these assurances remains highly questionable, given the inherent unpredictability of Turkish commitments in the region.

Russia Diplomacy

To mitigate potential risks, Russia’s senior leadership, including elements of the Politburo, has sought to diversify its diplomatic engagements. This involves reaching out to Israel, a player with both regional influence and a pragmatic approach to power dynamics. Historical patterns of Russian diplomacy underscore this strategy, adhering to a cyclical nature of tragedy, comedy, and eventual farce.

Putin Double

Complicating matters further, there are indications that Israel’s involvement extends beyond traditional diplomacy. Israeli medical professionals, who previously played a pivotal role in treating President Vladimir Putin’s cancer, are reportedly aware of his demise last year. The Kremlin’s request for Israeli specialists to now treat Putin’s double, who is reportedly afflicted with chronic kidney disease, underscores the depth of the subterfuge.

Kremlin Illusion

Recent incidents have drawn attention to this double’s deteriorating health. Notably, in a public appearance, conspicuous swelling and discolouration of the hands prompted alterations to his visual presentation. Such measures signal the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to sustain the illusion of continuity in leadership.

Israeli Aid

In a bid to deepen ties with Israel, Moscow has solicited the assistance of Israeli medical expertise to stabilise the health of the “president”. The proposal, aimed at fostering a facade of mutual trust, is seen as a prelude to soliciting Israel’s cooperation in safeguarding Russia’s military foothold in Syria. This calculated overture highlights Moscow’s desperation to secure a multi-pronged safety net for its embattled strategy in the region.

Syria Impact

The reaction of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to these overtures remains uncertain. His response will likely determine the trajectory of Russian-Israeli relations and may have broader implications for the geopolitical balance in Syria. Further developments are anticipated in the near term, warranting close monitoring to assess Israel’s strategic calculus in this unfolding scenario.