Russia analyst says Putin is in heightened emotional state and ‘nearing ecstasy’ after failed Wagner rebellion

• A Russian expert said Vladimir Putin is in an “emotional spiral” in the aftermath of the Wagner rebellion.

• This makes him vulnerable to manipulation, Tatiana Stanovaya said, and his entourage is gaining strength.

• The rebellion, though short-lived, seems to have weakened the Russian president.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in an “emotional spiral” in the aftermath of the failed insurrection of the Wagner mercenary group, a Russian analyst said.

The short-lived rebellion led by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin involved his forces marching towards Moscow before finally turning around to avoid bloodshed.

The rebellion, though ultimately failing, was Putin’s most visible challenge and ultimately weakened him. Experts say.

Now, it appears the Russian leader is embarking on post-rebellion damage control.

Putin made his first public appearance Wednesday night during a rare tour of Dagestan and was photographed taking selfies, shaking hands and Even kissing an audience member – an unusual move of the president, who is a famous germ.

“Recently, his public appearances have portrayed an inexplicable elation bordering on ecstasy, a stark departure from his usual behaviour,” said Stanovaya.

She believes his handlers wanted to create a felt atmosphere of Russian affection for the 70-year-old leader.

“This could be related to the narrative his entourage has crafted, emphasizing the universal support he receives from the elites and the immense love he enjoys from the people,” she said.

“What characterizes the current situation is Putin’s gradual loss of initiative in dealing with domestic issues,” said Tatyana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. Twitter. His heightened emotional state makes him more vulnerable to manipulation.

“It seems that we are observing a new phase in Putin’s regime, as his entourage becomes more effective in shaping his course.”

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Previously, he became Putin Very secluded During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which experts say led to him surrounding himself with a small circle of aides who gave him false information designed to fit his prejudices.

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