Current Russian government authorities have encountered a serious problem. It is possible that they do not perceive this fact just yet, but the significance of the problem does not diminish as a result. This issue concerns the crisis of loyalty. Today, the Russian authorities should strive to resolve this problem. Unfortunately, the capacities for such manoeuvring are rather restricted. Thus, the only step that the existing political elite can actually take today, if they indeed wish to maintain the existing status quo, is to exhibit a real change of power.