Putin maintains image of leader who is aware of Russia’s problems but not responsible for them

This was reported by the Institute for the study of war (ISW).

Analysts note that the Russian president plays the "arbiter of the truth" role in controlling the military bloggers' popularity while simultaneously addressing them with criticism of Russian security agencies. 

"Putin likely attempts to preserve the position he has tried to occupy throughout his reign. He is seemingly aware of all Russian problems while not being directly responsible for them. Putin has long established the Russian MoD as a scapegoat for his failures, but the quasi-official milblogger community may threaten his pretense of ignorance of problems. Putin remains in a predicament where he relies on the support of the nationalist community to rally support behind his war in Ukraine," the ISW said in a report.