Sources for VChK-OGPU and Rucriminal.info have revealed the true nature of the conflict between film director Nikita Mikhalkov (whose *Besogon* episodes are invariably watched by Vladimir Putin) and Sergey Novikov, the head of the Presidential Administration’s Directorate for Public Projects. Despite holding a significant position, Novikov harbors a cherished dream: to become the Minister of Culture. He writes operas, works as a theater critic, enjoys lecturing cultural figures, and so on. "For some time now, Novikov has been absolutely convinced that the Minister of Culture’s chair belongs to him—and that only he is capable of making Russian culture 'proper.' He is an ideological opponent of the expression of freedoms—or, if you will, liberalism—in culture. He is simply obsessed with the idea of becoming Minister of Culture," the source notes.
Consequently, Novikov began openly trying to oust the current Minister of Culture, Olga Lyubimova. She is the daughter of the Soviet and Russian theater scholar and critic Boris Lyubimov—one of Nikita Mikhalkov’s closest friends. The director has known Olga since childhood and treats her practically like a daughter; indeed, he played a pivotal role in her appointment as Minister of Culture.
Novikov began promoting arguments that are particularly sensitive in the current climate—often with the help of friendly figures in the security services—claiming that Lyubimova patronizes "wrong" actors and singers who have no place on stage. The official would likely have "devoured" Lyubimova had Mikhalkov not been standing behind her.
At first, the conflict played out "behind the scenes," centering partly on "blacklists" of artists. Later, according to a source, Novikov met with Lyubimova in person several times and, quite rudely, berated her to her face for shielding "enemies." At the same time, he was actively pushing this narrative within the Presidential Administration and all but saw himself in the new minister's chair.
That was when Mikhalkov’s patience finally snapped. It is unclear whether he raised the issue during his tea sessions with Putin, but he produced a segment for his show *Besogon* in which he tore Novikov apart. According to the source, *Besogon* is one of the few programs Putin watches personally. Everyone in the Kremlin knows this, so they even hold collective screenings—almost on a mandatory basis. Mikhalkov was aware of this, too.
Consequently, following the screenings, the question of Novikov’s immediate dismissal arose. Sergei Kiriyenko, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration, rushed to "put out the fire" surrounding his friend and longtime associate. According to the source, Kiriyenko met with Mikhalkov several times, apologized for Novikov’s harshness, and assured the director that Novikov had acted out of the best—patriotic—intentions and had no aim of ousting Lyubimova; everyone loved her and wished her a long tenure in the post. Kiriyenko managed to convince Mikhalkov of this. Novikov miraculously kept his job. Since then, he has kept a low profile, especially regarding Lyubimova. "But he hasn't given up on his cherished dream; right now, very quietly and with the help of security officials, he continues to 'undermine' Lyubimova, hoping that during a government reshuffle she will finally be removed and he can take that coveted spot," the source notes.
