Putin, Medvedev work to heal tandem split

Putin and Medvedev jumped into smooth-the-tandem mode today, hoping to lay to rest the loud suspicions that their marriage was on the rocks.

First, Putin came out to say: “Regarding the unity or disunity of the Russian leadership on events in Libya, the Russian president leads foreign policy and there can be no division. We are close people and we understand each other.”

Shortly after, Medvedev told visiting US Defense Secretary Robert Gates he was “concerned” about how the UN resolutions on Libya were being enforced. “The head of the Russian government gave his assessment of the current situation in Libya and expressed concern over how the UN Security Council Resolution on carrying out a no-fly zone over Libyan territory was being enforced, and also the possibility of victims among the civilian population in connection with the indiscriminate use of force,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

Putin gives in a bit, Medvedev gives in a bit: it’s the perfect compromise.

Alexei Venediktov, the long-time head of Russia’s best radio station Echo Moskvy, put forward some interesting theories about what went on. One particularly interesting one: “Putin absolutely did not expect such a sharp reaction from Medvedev. He, most likely, thought that his opinion would open the door for the president to correct things after the Americans’ trickery.”

Last week, The New Times, a good opposition magazine, devoted its issue to discussing the prospects of the 2012 presidential election, including a potential split in the tandem. It cited sources as saying that as Medvedev was taking the Kremlin seat, a document was already drawn up laying out potential action if the tandem were to experience a real split. With events in the Middle East causing ever more worry inside the administration, keeping the tandem alive and healthy is more of a priority than ever. “We now think the export of revolution would come through the Caucasus. The logic is this: the revolutionary wave reaches the Caucasus, mass violence begins, and a disproportionate security response follows. And then, allegedly, they will ask for our blood, like they have from Gaddafi,” the source said.