The Covid-19 pandemic scrambled Vladimir Putin ’s mental health, sparking the paranoia which led to the invasion of Ukraine, experts fear.
The Russian president had limited contact with people during the worst of the events of the last two years, with those in his very inner circle having to isolate before being granted an audience.
Putin’s insistence he ordered troops into his peaceful neighbour's territory to protect people subjected to bullying and genocide- of which there is no evidence- has fuelled fears for his mental health.
He also said his troops are there for the demilitarisation and de-Nazification" of Ukraine, claims which have been met with astonishment by the leaders of the under siege nation.
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Some insist Putin is still feeling the effects of “brain fog”, as a result of long Covid.
Other examples pointing to potential causes of alarm in the Kremlin leader, 69, include rumours he has been practically a recluse since the start of the pandemic.
Such are his concerns of the virus he insists meetings are held via video link - or across ludicrously long tables, insisting each participant sits at either end.
His inner circle are also forced to provide stool sample several times a week so Putin is not infected.
Marco Rubio, the Republican Senator for Florida, tweeted: “I wish I could share more, but for now I can say it’s pretty obvious to many that something is off with Putin.
“He has always been a killer, but his problem now is different & significant.
“It would be a mistake to assume this Putin would react the same way he would have five years ago.
“Putin’s inner circle went along with a #UkraineInvasion plan they knew was unrealistic & could lead to a quagmire.
“Soon they may have to decide whether to go along with new orders that will make them internationally wanted war criminals for the rest of their lives.”
“This is a very dangerous moment.”
The Times reported Tatiana Stanovaya, of the political analysis firm R.Politik, saying: “He (Putin) has withdrawn into himself a lot during the past two years. He has become distanced from the bureaucratic machinery, from the establishment, from the elite.
"He spends a lot of time alone stewing in his own fears and thoughts."
Meanwhile, the invasion of Ukraine is not going to plan and will fail if Kyiv doesn't fall within 10 days as Vladimir Putin will run out of money, it has been claimed.
The operation is estimated to be costing £15billion every day and is failing due to overconfidence by the Kremlin.
The Russians are said to be shocked by the resistance being put up by brave Ukrainians who are taking up guns to fight back against the invaders.
Earlier today the Russian President praised his special forces for “heroically carrying out their military duties” in his Ukrainian invasion.
It comes as Russian troops have so far failed to capture the capital of Kyiv.
During a televised address, he said: "Special gratitude to those heroically carrying out their military duty these days in the course of the special operation to provide assistance to the people's republics of Donbas.
“The heroic traditions of special forces were laid down in the centuries-old history of our army.”
Despite that, Riho Terras- the former defence chief of Estonia, tweeted: "Putin is furious.
"He thought that the whole war would be easy and everything would be done in 1-4 days."
