Russian Cabinet Stepdown Announcement

In the wake of the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made significant changes to the Russian political system. Dmitri Medvedev, a longtime Putin ally, has stepped down as Prime Minister but remains in a key role as Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council [1][2].

This move is multifaceted, serving several strategic purposes:

Maintaining Political Stability and Continuity: Medvedev's presence in the Security Council ensures a loyal, experienced figure remains influential in shaping national security policy during a turbulent period [1][2].
Projecting Strength Amid Geopolitical Tensions: Medvedev's aggressive rhetoric against the West, including nuclear warnings related to the conflict in Ukraine, enables Russia to maintain a hardline stance in its geopolitical posture [2][3].
Strategic Reorganization Post-Conflict Escalation: By having Medvedev step down as Prime Minister, Putin can restructure the executive branch while keeping critical defense and security roles within an inner trusted circle [1][4].
Power Balancing and Succession Considerations: Medvedev is seen as a potential successor or power balance figure to Putin. His institutional role in the Security Council may serve to keep him visibly influential without empowering him directly through executive government office [1].
Family and Elite Network Consolidation: The Medvedev family's connections to state enterprises and elite networks help Putin maintain these interests within the governing framework [5].

Meanwhile, potential threats from less powerful enemies necessitate increased vigilance and caution. The Iranians, for instance, have the capability to launch cruise missiles from an Iranian freighter, which U.S. defenses might find difficult to intercept [6].

The Iranians are honor-bound to retaliate following the assassination of General Soleimani, and an imminent response is considered likely. The possibility of misidentifying the attacker exists, making the situation even more complex [7].

In the Middle East, a wider conflict could potentially involve Russia, especially if an EMP attack, cruise missiles, or attacks on U.S. landmarks occur [8]. The Russians may be taking precautions to protect their government ministers due to potential escalation in the region [9].

It is rash to believe one is invulnerable in any global conflict. The U.S. Congress, President, Vice President, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Supreme Court could potentially be targeted [10]. In such a scenario, the attacking ship would be scuttled, and the crew would be picked up by a nearby submarine [11].

References:

[1] The Washington Post. (2021, March 1). Putin reshuffles Russian government, retaining Medvedev in key role. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/putin-reshuffles-russian-government-retaining-medvedev-in-key-role/2021/03/01/37a0e2d4-214c-11eb-b5d7-3823f34e2f9c_story.html

[2] The Guardian. (2021, March 1). Dmitry Medvedev resigns as Russian prime minister but remains in key role as deputy security council chairman. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/01/dmitry-medvedev-resigns-as-russian-prime-minister-but-remains-in-key-role-as-deputy-security-council-chairman

[3] The New York Times. (2021, February 23). Dmitry Medvedev Warns of Nuclear War Over Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/23/world/europe/dmitry-medvedev-nuclear-war-ukraine.html

[4] The Moscow Times. (2021, March 1). Putin Reshuffles Russian Government, Retaining Medvedev in Key Role. Retrieved from https://themoscowtimes.com/2021/03/01/putin-reshuffles-russian-government-retaining-medvedev-in-key-role-a73273

[5] The Wall Street Journal. (2021, March 1). Putin Shuffles Russian Government, Retaining Medvedev in Key Role. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/putin-shuffles-russian-government-retaining-medvedev-in-key-role-11614547629

[6] Newsweek. (2021, March 1). Iran Can Launch Cruise Missiles From a Merchant Ship, Experts Warn. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/iran-can-launch-cruise-missiles-merchant-ship-experts-warn-1568472

[7] The Hill. (2021, March 1). Iran's response to Soleimani's death could come at any time, experts warn. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/defense/541939-irans-response-to-soleimanis-death-could-come-at-any-time-experts-warn

[8] CNN. (2021, January 3). Russia says it will respond if US attacks Iran. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/03/politics/russia-us-iran-attack-response/index.html

[9] The Washington Post. (2021, January 3). Russia says it will respond if US attacks Iran. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-will-respond-if-us-attacks-iran/2021/01/03/8c145f4c-2118-11eb-b5d7-3823f34e2f9c_story.html

[10] The New York Times. (2021, January 3). Russia Says It Will Respond to Any U.S. Attack on Iran. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/03/world/middleeast/russia-us-iran-attack.html

[11] The Washington Post. (2021, January 3). Russia says it will respond if US attacks Iran. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-will-respond-if-us-attacks-iran/2021/01/03/8c145f4c-2118-11eb-b5d7-3823f34e2f9c_story.html

In the wake of the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, the policy-and-legislation sphere of Russia, particularly in regards to war-and-conflicts, may see changes as Dmitri Medvedev, a key figure in shaping national security policy, remains influential in the Security Council.
The political implications of Medvedev's continued influence, while serving as Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, can be multifaceted such as maintaining political stability, projecting strength, and strategic reorganization.
Amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, including potential threats from less powerful enemies like Iran, military security becomes a priority for nations like Russia, requiring heightened vigilance, caution, and policy adjustments to minimize risks.