March 3, 2026
No one expected Mikhail Mishustin to last as Russia’s PM. But after four years of war, he’s become synonymous with the role.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin turned 60 this week. His ascent — from head of the Federal Tax Service to prime minister — was swift and largely unforeseen. With a single promotion, Mishustin effectively skipped two rungs of the bureaucratic ladder and landed in Russia’s second-highest office. Meduza special correspondent Andrey Pertsev recounts Mishustin’s rise and explains how he’s managed to stay in the role for years, against all expectations.
TL;DR
- Mikhail Mishustin's promotion to Prime Minister in 2020 was unexpected, as his background in the Federal Tax Service was not seen as a political launching pad.
- Despite initial perceptions of him being a placeholder, Mishustin has maintained his position for years, managing through the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
- He has strategically avoided direct discussion of the invasion, preferring to focus on economic matters and social support for service members.
- Mishustin's tenure has been characterized by navigating crises, with the public and political elite largely viewing the challenges as external to his direct responsibility.
- He has maintained his position by fostering workable relationships with various political figures and deliberately reducing his public visibility to avoid direct association with the war's rhetoric.
- While the Russian economy experienced growth in the early years of the war, it faced decline in 2025 due to inflation, sanctions, and labor shortages, increasing Mishustin's need to coordinate ministries.
- Despite his longevity and management of crises, his position ultimately depends on President Putin's decision.
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