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Putin could dash European hopes of a fresh start
His power consolidation means EU-Russia relationship likely to remain less than warm
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Markus Ziener Global Affairs Correspondent In Berlin, Markus Ziener
Although the recent political reshuffle in Moscow left many questions unanswered, at least one conclusion can be safely drawn from the surprise move by the Russian President: Even after the end of his term in 2024, Mr Vladimir Putin will be in charge, either as head of an empowered security council, or in some other capacity.
Politicians in Western capitals remained rather cautious in their assessments of the changes. Experts, however, were much more outspoken.
