In 2012, he was officially registered on the eve of the presidential election in Russia as a confidant of Vladimir Putin, who at that time held the post of prime minister.
Ngo-2012, it yabhaliswa ngokomthetho ngosuku olwandulela ukhetho lwesobumengameli Russia njengoba isifuba uVladimir Putin, ubani ngaleso sikhathi kulesi sikhundla sokuba undunankulu.