The Kremlin’s stance on Bastrykin’s constitutional proposal remains unclear
The Press Secretary for the Russian President, Dmitry Peskov, indicated that the Kremlin does not have a formal position on the idea advanced by Alexander Bastrykin, who heads the Russian Investigative Committee, to enshrine a particular ideology in the nation’s Constitution. He described the proposal as a new statement from an authoritative figure but emphasized that it does not reflect an official Kremlin policy. Peskov noted that no presidential statement or decision has been made on this issue. He added that there is nothing more to discuss on the matter from the presidential side at this time. [Source: Kremlin press office attribution]
Peskov also addressed how Bastrykin’s proposal would align with the Russian Constitution, specifically Article 13. That article states that no ideology can be established as a state or compulsory one. The Kremlin spokesperson reiterated that Bastrykin spoke in his personal capacity, and that the proposal runs counter to the Constitution as written. The interpretation put forward by Bastrykin does not represent an official constitutional position of the state. [Source: Kremlin press office attribution]
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke publicly about the need to fight attempts to divide Russian society. In remarks that followed, the president described the global situation as still challenging, noting that old difficulties persist while new ones have emerged. He urged proactive action and prompt responses to the risks that accompany such a volatile environment. His comments underscored a call for unity and vigilance in addressing domestic and international pressures. [Source: Presidential Administration notes]
At one point, Putin also referenced the concept of a dominant or supreme government in Russia, which drew attention as part of a broader discussion about governance and policy directions. While the exact context of that moment was not fully elaborated, it contributed to ongoing public and media discourse about Russia’s political structure and leadership responsibilities. [Source: Presidential Administration notes]
In this sequence of statements, the interplay between individual official proposals and official constitutional boundaries is made evident. Bastrykin’s position is presented as his own perspective, separate from the Kremlin’s formal policy, while Putin’s remarks frame a national objective of cohesion and resilience in the face of evolving global challenges. The broader narrative centers on how Russia balances leadership initiative with constitutional commitments, a balance that shapes political dialogue within the country. [Source: Kremlin press office attribution]