[Publius]

In 1964, in the case of Krushchev, he was out of the country when the military, the party and the KGB moved against him. He found out as he was boarding the plane back to Russia.

He was flown to an airport near his dacha, where he spent the rest of his life. But he wasn't flown back to Moscow.

[goldstategop]

Russia’s President is elected by the people of Russia. He could be forced to resign so if there is any truth to the rumors - it would have been common knowledge in Moscow already, unless Kremlin factions can’t agree on a successor.

Khruschev lost the support of Communist Party elites because of his erratic policies and humiliating the Soviet Union during the Cuban missile crisis. He had no independent power base so his downfall was a foregone conclusion.

Putin may be sick or on vacation but a telling instance that he is still in charge is Rossiya Channel 1 tonight broadcasted an interview about his actions in Ukraine/Crimea. That would not have happened had he been deposed. Small things like this take on huge significance in Russia and for Western Kremlin watchers as well.

[caww]

That scenario isn’t hard to imagine......similar was done to Yeltz... and only one person could grant him the “protection” he would need going out...KGB Putin and this was ‘another reason’ Yeltz appointed Putin...to save his own skin.

When the bottom falls out for a Russian Leader his first and foremost thoughts and actions will be to secure for himself and his family safe passage.