What's happening with Putin? New reports emerge from Russia

Vladimir Putin, who has recently announced his plans to contend in the presidential elections in March 2024, is seemingly making fewer appearances at public events. This deduction was made by the independent Project portal based on data acquired from the official Kremlin, detailing Putin's participation in public events.

The data indicates that between November 1, 2022, and October 31 of the current year, a total of 521 public events involving Putin took place. Reporters concluded that Putin was at work for 147 days this year. "For the remainder of the time, Putin stayed within the residences, not meeting with journalists or anyone outside trusted officials and loyal politicians," the Project reports.

Reporters highlight that the Kremlin is "attempting to paint an image of a diligent president". They mention, based on official records, that Putin sometimes participates in up to four meetings a day. Yet, such a grueling day is usually preceded by a six-day retreat in a residence in northern Russia. During Putin's respite, the Kremlin "presents announcements similar to 'cans', i.e., pre-recorded sessions of Putin with officials," estimates the Project.

The reporters go on to say that it's common for Putin to alternate between intense days, filled with numerous meetings, with periods when the Kremlin publishes 'cans'. The Project alleges that in some weeks, Putin did not make any public appearances - in January 2023, for instance, he was present only on eight days. Whereas, he was most active in December 2022, making public appearances on 18 days.

As the Project notes, in 2007, Putin participated in public meetings almost daily. Compared to 2017, it is clear that the Kremlin now organizes fewer meetings: Putin had 67 meetings in May 2017, and 40 in May 2023.

Particular attention is given to Putin's tendency to maintain a distance from others during meetings by the reporters. At some functions, Putin keeps a distance, which has been generally attributed to Covid-19 safety protocols. This erratic behavior has hinted at the possibility of Putin using a double, as per some Kremlin-accredited journalists.

Per the Project, Putin observed physical distancing at 224 meetings (comprising 43 percent of the total); leading many meetings via videolink. During 185 meetings (36 percent of the total), no such distance was maintained, although those attending had previously self-isolated. However, there were occasions where those who hadn't quarantined approached him (112 meetings, or 21 percent of the total).

Journalists point out that some of the Kremlin's attempts to maintain social distancing are counterintuitive and do little to prevent the spread of coronavirus. For instance, photo ops with unnecessary 33 feet gaps, or low fences in front of Putin's podium.

Conversely, during a trip to Petersburg, Putin unexpectedly disregarded distancing rules. This happened a few days after the unsuccessful rebellion of the Wagner Group's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Putin needed a "display of unity with the people," say the reporters.

Through analyzing the course of meetings over the years, reporters deduced that "Putin no longer seeks to create the impression of crowded participation in events". At times, he seems content with near-empty rooms, as seen during his visits to Orthodox temples where only the clergy are present.

"Putin has, over the years, crafted the image of a man vastly dissimilar to his ailing, and addiction-prone predecessors such as Boris Yeltsin and Leonid Brezhnev. However, ahead of his third decade in power, he is beginning to resemble them," observe the reporters.

At 71, Putin has been in the reins of Russia since 2000, taking over from Yeltsin. After serving two presidential terms as per the constitution, Putin exercised power as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012, and then resumed the presidency. Amendments to the Russian constitution in 2020 permitted him to seek additional terms. As anticipated, he announced on Friday that he will participate in the upcoming presidential elections slated for March 17, 2024.