I would not have expected Russia to find now a good time to sort national political matters out, while the citizens of countries from China to Chile riot in the streets, and just after the US has struck deeply at the Iranian leadership. The world seems to teeter on the brink of global war, and this move seems to weaken Russian leadership just as Russia may most need strength.

OTOH, showing that Russia is competent to undertake such political wrangling now does downplay the threat of international uncertainty. Putin is certainly sanguine, and that may give his people confidence their security is nominal despite the uncertainty brought by international news.

Thanks!