Putin’s Rise: From Honeytraps to State Control, New Book Reveals Kremlin’s Inner Workings

A new book, “The Tsar In Propria Persona,” by investigative journalists Roman Badanin and Petr Rubin, offers a searing look into the formative years of Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power, detailing how personal loyalty, strategic manipulation, and the weaponization of state institutions were instrumental in his rise. The work, drawing on decades of reporting, illuminates the complex web of relationships and machinations that solidified Putin’s grip on Russia, revealing a pattern of behavior that continues to define his leadership.

Sealing the Deal: The Skuratov Honeytrap

One of the most striking revelations from the book concerns the orchestrated downfall of Russian General Prosecutor Yuri Skuratov in 1999. At a critical juncture, Skuratov was leading investigations into corruption allegations that implicated members of then-President Boris Yeltsin’s family and his administration.

Badanin and Rubin detail how Putin, then director of the FSB security agency, played a pivotal role in a honeytrap operation targeting Skuratov. The operation, which involved capturing Skuratov in a compromising situation with prostitutes on surveillance video, was broadcast nationwide in March 1999. This act of discrediting a political opponent was a clear demonstration of loyalty to the Yeltsin family, effectively paving the way for Putin’s nomination as Yeltsin’s successor.

Hours after the compromising video aired,Putin was appointed to head a commission investigating the Skuratov affair. Together, Skuratov, who had also initiated a corruption probe popularly known as the “putin Case,” was dismissed from his post, despite lingering questions about the authenticity and legality of the surveillance footage. This event is presented as a crucial turning point,solidifying Putin’s position within the Kremlin’s inner circle.

The Pillars of Putin’s Power: Church, Media, and Cronies

“The Tsar In Propria Persona” extends its analysis beyond this singular event, exploring the broader strategies that have underpinned Putin’s enduring rule. The book examines:

the Russian Orthodox Church as a Political Instrument

The authors highlight how the Russian Orthodox Church evolved from a spiritual institution into a potent political tool under Putin’s influence. This strategic alignment provided ideological legitimacy and a powerful platform for state messaging, reinforcing national identity and loyalty to the Kremlin.

Creeping Control Over Russian Media

The book meticulously documents the Kremlin’s systematic efforts to assert control over Russian media outlets. This involved a gradual process of co-option, intimidation, and the suppression of independent journalism, ensuring that state-sanctioned narratives dominated the public discourse.

Benefiting the Inner Circle

A important theme is the way in which Putin’s rise to power directly benefited his close family and friends. The book details how these individuals were strategically positioned to gain wealth and influence, creating a loyal and interconnected network that supported his administration.

A Legacy of Persecution and exile

The insights presented in “The Tsar In Propria Persona” are rooted in the extensive reporting careers of Badanin and Rubin, who have themselves faced significant pressure from both oligarchs and the Kremlin. Their work has been characterized by a commitment to uncovering the financial interests and illicit dealings of the Russian elite.

In 2021,the journalists’ homes were raided by Moscow police as part of a libel examination stemming from their reporting on Ilya Traber,an individual identified as an alleged organized crime figure with ties to Putin. This incident, along with ongoing pressures, led Badanin and Rubin to relocate to the United States, were they continue their investigative work through Proekt, an outlet dedicated to scrutinizing the Russian elite.

Reflecting on the personal cost of their investigations, Badanin stated, “In a broad sense, this book cost us our homeland. The Russian government persecuted us for digging into Putin, his friends and their bad deeds.” Their experiences underscore the risks inherent in challenging the established power structures in Russia and highlight the importance of their continued efforts to shed light on the inner workings of the Kremlin.

The book serves as a critical companion to previous works by scholars like Fiona Hill and Catherine Belton, who have explored Putin’s consolidation of power, his management of oligarchs, and the takeover of post-communist Russia by former KGB officers. Together, these works provide a extensive and often disturbing portrait of the forces that have shaped modern Russia.