Serghei Lavrov states that Vladimir Putin's rise to power in Russia was the result of a divine intervention.

The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, stated that Vladimir Putin's rise to power was influenced by a divine intervention. Lavrov emphasized that Boris Yeltsin had the courage to hand over power early, choosing Putin, who was seen as capable of saving Russia at a critical moment.

According to Lavrov, this decision was a historic turning point, suggesting that Russia is "marked" by God. Director Nikita Mikhalkov recounted a conversation with Putin, in which the Russian leader said he was chosen by God.

Patriarch Kirill stated that Russians should thank God for Putin. Putin, who became president on December 31, 1999, declared that he has never had any doubts about his role.

Critics like protodeacon Andrei Kuraev suggest that Putin uses religion as a PR tool, having a selective view of divinity. Due to constitutional amendments, Putin can run for a sixth term in 2030, with the possibility of remaining in power until 2036.