Putin’s former bodyguard, who rescued him from bear attack, receives new position. Could he be the next president?

Alexei Dyumin: A Close Ally of Putin

Alexei Dyumin, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest allies, has recently been appointed as the secretary of the advisory State Council. This move has brought Dyumin closer to the core of power, sparking speculation that he might be the next president of Russia.

Background of Alexei Dyumin

• Dyumin served as the president’s bodyguard during Putin’s first and second terms, starting from August 1999.
• He was born on August 28, 1972, in Kursk, with a father who was a military medic and a mother who was a teacher.
• He joined the Federal Guards Service (FSO) in 1995 and has had significant roles in safeguarding top officials.

Professional Journey of Dyumin

Throughout his career, Dyumin has held various positions of importance:

• Guarded President Boris Yeltsin and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin.
• Played ice hockey with Putin and served as deputy head of the GRU military intelligence service during the Crimea annexation.
• Served as a deputy defense minister and later as the governor of Tula.

Dyumin’s Heroic Act

In a remarkable incident, Dyumin once used his pistol to scare off a bear from one of the president’s mountain residences, earning him Russia’s highest state award, the Hero of Russia.

Potential Future as President

While the future of Russian presidency remains uncertain, Dyumin’s recent appointments and responsibilities indicate that he may be groomed as a potential successor to Putin.

“Dyumin is considered by many as Putin’s choice for the future president of Russia,” said former Kremlin adviser Sergei Markov.