Who is Sergei Kiriyenko and why he is important in Putin's war strategy

Sergei Kiriyenko (Image: Reuters)

Sergei V. Kiriyenko, once one of the young reformers of post-Soviet politics, now holds the centre of President Vladimir V. Putin's wartime machine. As deputy chief of staff first, he is the Kremlin's go-to guy for directing its most politically sensitive operations — from holding referendums in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine to taking control of Russia's internet and cultural space. His position, while modest-sounding in name, has expanded at breakneck pace as Putin concentrated power during the Ukraine conflict, the New York Times reported.

Constructing control in Russia and abroad

Kiriyenko's influence goes beyond internal politics, seized Ukrainian territory, and Russia's broader geopolitical periphery. He has since 2022 overseen pseudo "elections" in annexed Ukrainian territories, advocated pro-Kremlin ideology in education, and called on officials to take up administrative roles in occupied regions. Beyond Ukraine, he is tasked with coordinating Kremlin efforts in breakaway republics such as Abkhazia, Georgia, and within Moldova — duties previously wielded by senior aides out of favour.

A politically astute technocrat

At the age of 35, Kiriyenko was appointed prime minister in 1998 and would afterwards acquire the nickname "Kinder Surprise" for his surprise promotion. After Russia's financial crisis shortened his tenure, he repeatedly switched — from party boss with reformist credentials to Kremlin stalwart — showing a talent for surfing changing political tides. Colleagues describe him as "effective" and "opportunistic," single-minded about implementing orders more than advancing personal ideology. His own words summarize his philosophy: "In a game without rules, the one who makes the rules wins."

Shaping politics through personnel and propaganda

In his new role, Kiriyenko shapes and manages the political framework that keeps Putin's regime in power. He coordinates presidential and parliamentary elections, as well as governor appointments, ensuring outcomes in favour of the Kremlin. His "Leaders of Russia" initiative raises up loyal technocrats, many of whom now hold key administrative roles, including in occupied Ukraine. He has also managed cultural and media policy, rewarding pro-war artists and deposing critics, and using state-supported platforms to replace Western social networks within Russia.

War-time propagandist

Kiriyenko has been a leader in reframing the war in Ukraine as an exercise of patriotism. At his request, curricula in state schools have included pro-war propaganda, and Russian arts funding increasingly rewards people who are friendly to Kremlin ideological thrusts. In occupied territory, his administration has staged events promoting annexation as a democratic consensus, while independent experts decry the votes as illegitimate. If Putin succeeds in signing a peace deal — including the rumoured Alaska summit with President Donald Trump — Kiriyenko will be poised to sell it domestically as a Russian victory.

A new star with fuzzy edges

Kiriyenko's rise has been made possible by the consolidation of camps with powerful Putin loyalists, such as media mogul Yuri V. Kovalchuk. His influence over regional politics and territorial integration programmes signals his growing centrality to the Kremlin strategy. He is charged with being transactional in his loyalty, warning that he would adapt just as well to a pro-Western shift if the leadership of Russia were to shift. At present, Kiriyenko's ability to implement Putin's desires ensures that he is one of the most powerful unelected men in Russia.