Putin likes to present himself as a nature lover, as a “strong man”. Connoisseurs describe him as a lonely narcissist who has long since decoupled himself from political reality.
(Photo: imago/ZUMA Press)
Berlin It is the figures that currently say the most about Vladimir Putin’s popularity in his own country: Russia’s 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 young men have fled the country since the Russian President ordered partial mobilization two weeks ago.
The Kremlin boss turns 70 this Friday, and it’s not likely to be a pleasant celebration for him. Everything looks as if his campaign in Ukraine is slipping away. The Ukrainians’ counteroffensive is progressing, their own military seems desolate, the morale of the soldiers seems to be low, the elite is leaving the country, Western sanctions are weakening its economy – and even former allies are keeping their distance.
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