Russian Ideologist Dugin Calls Putin 'Sacred Ruler' as Experts Question Kremlin Influence

Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin has described Vladimir Putin as an enigmatic figure and "true sacred ruler," raising questions about whether he genuinely admires the Russian president or is attempting to influence Kremlin policy. Dugin, often labeled Putin's ideologist in international media, has built a reputation as a geopolitical theorist promoting Russian imperial expansion and Eurasian integration. However, a Russian historian disputes claims about Dugin's influence on the Kremlin, calling it a myth and suggesting that Putin draws inspiration from other sources rather than from Dugin's philosophical writings. The debate highlights ongoing uncertainty about the intellectual influences shaping Russian foreign policy and the role of nationalist ideologues in Putin's decision-making process.