Putin likes to present himself as a nature lover, as a “strong man”. Connoisseurs describe him as a lonely narcissist who has long separated himself from political reality.
(Photo: imago/ZUMA Press)
Berlin The figures that currently speak the most about Vladimir Putin’s popularity in his own country: Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says he has recruited 200,000 soldiers for the army. On the other hand, according to calculations by the Russian business magazine Forbes.ru, 700,000 youths have left the country since the Russian president ordered a partial mobilization two weeks ago.
The Kremlin boss turns 70 this Friday, and it’s unlikely to be a happy celebration for him. Everything looks as if his campaign in Ukraine is on the wane. Ukraine’s counter-offensive is growing, their own military seems desolate, soldiers’ morale appears low, elites are leaving the country, Western sanctions are sapping its economy – and even former allies are keeping their distance.
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