The Russian president has just completed his first, infinitely gruelling year at the top. He was instantly vulnerable. The navy is handling it. The defence ministry is handling it. That's what they're there for.
Military men look after military crises.
Civilian politicians who can't tell one end of a submarine from another are utterly surplus to requirements. See the disappointment on the wife's face. Thus the president lingers. Thus the spectre of blame to come gathers imperceptibly. Sochi isn't the site for sentient decision-making.