Will the "bald-hairy" pattern of Russian rulers continue after Putin?

Question

"Bald-hairy" is a common joke in Russian political discourse, referring to the empirical rule of the state leaders' succession defined as a change of a bald or balding leader to a hairy one and vice versa. This consistent pattern can be traced back to as early as 1825 (Wikipedia).
The question refers to any de facto ruler of Russia.
If after Putin Russia no longer exists as one country but at least one of states on its today's internationally recognized territory has the word "Russia" in its name and has a hairy leader, I will resolve YES.

Close date updated to 2040-01-01 3:59 am

Manifold Markets · Answer

Roughly even odds — Manifold Markets prediction market estimates a 60% chance (27 traders, as of May 23, 2026).