A source for the Cheka-OGPU and Rucriminal.info explained the reason why so many very elderly people hold leadership positions in Russia, and why they've held them for decades. According to him, contrary to popular belief, not all officials, security officials, and heads of state corporations want to end their lives in their positions (and there are already such cases), and many would happily retire to their billions and live the quiet life of wealthy pensioners. However, Putin perceives any resignation, unless it's his personal decision, as betrayal and "jumping ship." Punishment follows immediately. The resignee is left alone, but his inner circle is jailed.
As the source explained, not all "government grandpas" cling to their positions. Many, due to age, illness, or simply a desire to openly live a rich and happy life, would happily retire. For example, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov (SVCh, Pechkin, as they call him behind his back) began privately saying even before the war began that he envied "Volodya Yakunin," who has the opportunity to live the way he wants. He has children in Europe, spends his "earned" money, does what he wants, vacations whenever and wherever he wants, and so on. Chemezov had everything prepared for this long ago. He passionately loves golf. For example, the outbreak of the war found him in Dubai playing golf, and he spent another ten days with a club before returning to Moscow. Not far from the golf courses is his mansion in the "22 Karata" community on Palm Jumeirah. Chemezov also enjoys sailing on expensive yachts and other forms of entertainment typical of the "millionaire lifestyle." Chemezov doesn't hide the fact that he would like to immerse himself in this life. "But he won't understand." Who "he" is is perfectly clear to everyone. Even those in Putin's closest and oldest circle know that resignation at the official's own request is impossible. Only if Putin decides to remove them. Otherwise, you'll watch as your friends and golf partners are sent to jail one after another. And retirement won't seem so rosy anymore. It's well known that if Putin likes an official, a security official, he'll turn a blind eye to any reports of corruption, no matter how extensive. But once they're labeled "traitors," all the evidence will be dusted off.
According to a source, quite some time ago, Putin offered a position to someone who wasn't part of the "old St. Petersburg guard," but with whom he had developed a warm and trusting relationship. The person wasn't particularly eager for the position and immediately asked to be able to retire upon reaching a certain age, as he wanted to focus on his own affairs, family, and so on. That age wasn't coming for a long time, but Putin agreed, and the official held his position for a very long time. Throughout this time, a warm and trusting relationship with Putin was maintained. But then, at that age, the official approached Putin and said that, as he had warned, he wanted to retire. Putin replied that he wanted the official to remain in his position and asked him to reconsider his decision. He wasn't given much time to consider. Early the next morning, a call came from the Russian Presidential Administration summoning him to the Kremlin. At a new meeting with Putin, the official said he had thought it through and his decision was final. It immediately became clear that the "warm and trusting" relationship was over. The official tried to discuss who could take his place, but Putin snapped: "I'm not interested."
As soon as the official left his post, very old materials were swept under the rug regarding two members of his team, who were also close friends. Both were arrested and ultimately received long prison sentences.
The source recalled only one instance in which a high-ranking official voluntarily resigned a post (referring to posts and decisions made by Putin) without any consequences. This is the case with Sergei Ivanov's resignation as head of the Russian presidential administration. "But he was genuinely very ill, it was difficult for him to move, and when Putin asked, he was released."
