Presidency of Russia

A man speaks from a podium in front of an audience. He is flanked by Russian flags and screens

Russia’s cabinet resigns and it’s all part of Putin’s plan

On Jan. 15, Putin gave his annual state of the nation address and unveiled “serious changes to the political system.” In response to proposed constitutional amendments, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his government resigned. But this move should not be seen as protest, argues Russia scholar Regina Smyth.