External actions, sometimes cruel, guided by the concern for the recognition of their country, the sole and pragmatic exercise of power. Political scientist Stanislav Belkovsky, the founder of the National Strategy Institute, the main political expert of the Dozhd television channel, describes the current strategy of the Russian president. Interview took the journalist Liberation Veronica Dorman.

"How can you determine Russian foreign policy?" - asked the journalist.

"This is not about confronting the West, but about confrontation with the goal of making the West love Russia. It should be remembered that Vladimir Putin, having come to power, was an Atlantist and a pro-European. But after a series of disappointments, he eventually became convinced that the West was constantly lying to him. In 2007, in his famous and odious Munich speech, he warned: "We come with money, not with tanks, take us before it's too late," Belkovsky recalled.. "And now the message has changed:" We arrive with the tanks until you agree to reconciliation ".

"Putin is not going to enter into an alliance with the US against the EU. The only thing he likes about Trump is that he's an antisystem candidate. But from the political point of view, Putin does not hope for anything good and does not harbor any illusions. In fact, Putin wants to find a common language with the West. Russian actions in the Middle East and Ukraine are not an end in themselves, it is an instrument designed to force the West to act, to meet it. To identify spheres of influence, where the post-Soviet space will be left behind Russia. And to mitigate sanctions, in the absence of their cancellation, "the political scientist believes..

"What are the prospects for resolving the Ukrainian conflict?" - asked the interviewer.

"The main obstacle is Ukraine itself. Elites, who came to power in Kiev in 2014, underestimated the scope of their responsibility. Prospects for rapid integration into the EU were lost. First, it is necessary to solve internal problems. Donbass is a frozen conflict for an indefinite time. And Crimea will remain Russian. Since neither the majority of the Crimean population, nor the majority of Russians, will agree to a return to Ukraine, "the interlocutor of the newspaper.

"Why is Marin Le Pen a candidate for the Kremlin?" - asked the journalist.

"Because it is also anti-systemic and capable of politically incorrect actions, such as the search for money in Russia to finance its presidential campaign. This may appeal to Putin. But this does not mean that he is betting on it, "Belkovsky explained..

"How would you describe Russian domestic policy?" - asked the journalist.

"How schizophrenic," answered Belkovsky. - Economic reforms are needed, but the authorities do not want to launch them. Putin is a conservative, he believes that reforms are always more expensive than their absence. Power makes one believe in a thaw, but at the same time multiplies, diversifies and tightens the methods of pressure on disaffected and disobedient ".

"Putin surrounded himself with the Politburo, a circle of people around who help him make decisions?" - asked the interviewer.

"No, the Politburo does not exist. This Soviet concept presupposes a constant composition, regulations and distribution of tasks. There is no such thing around Putin. In Putin's head everything is divided into sectors of activity. ) As for diplomatic and military decisions, Putin accepts them himself, "the expert replied.

"On whom does Putin's authority depend?" - asked Dorman.

"He does not depend on anyone. This is a national idol, he embodies Russia. One of the reasons that give rise to discontent in the elites is the conflict with the West, "Belkovsky said..

"Do you think in Russia, what will happen after Putin?" - asked the interviewer.

"Everybody thinks about it. But mentally, because it is risky to express such views aloud, "the interviewee replied.. - If Putin decides to leave the Kremlin, then the power will go not to the oppositionist, but to the heir appointed to them. I see two:

Dmitry Medvedev, of course, and Alex Dumin, one of his former bodyguards, who became deputy defense minister ".

"In what condition is the Russian opposition?" - asked the journalist.

"She is heterogeneous and powerless. She argues on the same principle as Vladimir Putin, whose departure she demands: who is not with us, he is against us. The opposition is not able to unite for a long time and effectively. There are several notable characters, such as Alexey Navalny. But he is too focused on himself, "Belkovsky believes..