Title: Putin: Animal or Human?

Script

Introduction:

In the shadows of power and intrigue, one man’s reign holds the world in suspense. Vladimir
Putin: revered by some, feared by others. But what lies beneath the surface? Is he a cunning
predator, or a mere mortal bound by human flaws?

Act 1: The Alpha Predator

In the wilds of geopolitics, Putin emerges as the alpha predator, navigating the treacherous
landscape with ruthless efficiency. His tactics mirror those of nature’s most formidable
creatures, as he asserts his dominance and expands his territory.

Diplomacy and Business It would be wrong to claim that Russia’s sole tactical tools are coercive
in nature. While these exist, the Kremlin has also shown itself adept at the use of traditional
diplomatic tools, and in combining these with trade and investments. Like all states, Russia uses
diplomacy to attain its goals; indeed, Russia possesses a significant advantage over every other
post-Soviet state in this regard.
In the realm of diplomacy, Putin employs strategies akin to territorial marking, ensuring that
Russia's presence is felt across the global landscape. Much like a dominant animal scent-
marking its territory, Moscow has maintained a network of well-staffed embassies inherited from
the Soviet era, giving it a formidable advantage over its post-Soviet counterparts. While other
nations labor to establish diplomatic footholds, Russia's longstanding presence allows Putin to
exert influence with ease.

Moreover, Putin's diplomatic engagements with post-Soviet states resemble strategic hunting
techniques. He and his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, embark on regular visits, akin to a pack
of predators descending upon their prey. These visits, accompanied by large delegations, serve
not only to build personal relationships but also to apply direct pressure on regional leaders. In
contrast, Western engagement in the region often remains at arm's length, with high-level visits
a rarity. This stark contrast in approach has left many regional leaders vulnerable to Putin's
advances, much like isolated prey facing a coordinated predator onslaught.

Putin's diplomatic maneuvers extend beyond mere presence and pressure. Like a skilled hunter
stalking its prey, Russia undermines the cohesiveness of organizations such as the OSCE and
Council of Europe. By weakening their effectiveness through internal discord, Putin ensures that
these institutions pose little threat to his ambitions.

Boris Nemtsov's assassination, mere footsteps from the Kremlin, echoes the silent pounce of a
predator catching its quarry unawares. Nemtsov's vocal opposition to Russian intervention in
Ukraine made him a prime target, akin to a vocal prey drawing attention to itself in the wild.

Similarly, the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in a London hotel bar mirrors the calculated
ambush of a predator lying in wait for its victim. Litvinenko's defiance of the Russian
government's ties to organized crime painted a target on his back, akin to a prey challenging the
alpha of the pack.
Aleksey Navalny's repeated imprisonments, on what many view as politically motivated charges,
illustrate Putin's strategy of intimidation and control, reminiscent of a dominant animal exerting
its dominance over challengers within its territory. Navalny's political ambitions, culminating in
his strong showing in the Moscow mayoral race, threatened Putin's grip on power, much like a
rival predator encroaching on established territory.

Putin's manipulation of elections through "managed democracy" parallels the territorial marking
of a dominant animal, ensuring his continued dominance over the political landscape. By
restricting opposition parties like Navalny's Progress Party and Nemtsov's PARNAS, Putin
maintains a stranglehold on power, akin to a predator marking its territory to ward off
competitors.

Furthermore, Putin's involvement in Syria and the hybrid warfare campaign against Western
democracies demonstrate a predator expanding its territory and asserting dominance on a
global scale. Like a territorial animal expanding its hunting grounds, Putin's actions blur the lines
between cyberwarfare and cybercrime, striking at the heart of Western institutions much like a
predator encroaching on rival territories.
The violation of NATO airspace by Russian fighter jets and the cyberattacks on the Ukrainian
power grid resemble strategic hunting techniques, with Putin orchestrating calculated strikes to
weaken adversaries and assert Russian dominance. These actions, akin to a predator stalking
its prey, underscore Putin's relentless pursuit of power and influence on the world stage.

Act 2: The Human Mask

Beneath the facade of strength lies a figure of intriguing complexity and mystery. Vladimir Putin,
the enigmatic leader, possesses a talent for masking his true intentions behind a veil of civility.
Vladimir Rumyantsev lived a solitary existence in the city of Vologda, working as a furnace
stoker at a wood-processing plant. With no family besides an estranged brother, the 63-year-old
found solace in his hobbies.

To occupy his time, Rumyantsev purchased radio transmitters online and began broadcasting
audiobooks, radio plays, and critical content from journalists on social media who opposed the
Kremlin's policies, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine. Despite his efforts, Rumyantsev had
no intention of reaching a wider radio audience; rather, he simply listened to his broadcasts
through headphones in the comfort of his own apartment.

In a letter shared by Russia's leading human rights organization, OVD-Info, Rumyantsev

explained that his interest in tinkering with radios dated back to Soviet times. Frustrated by the
increasingly propagandistic tone of state TV, he saw self-broadcasting as a technological
alternative. For him, radio offered a broader reach within his apartment compared to Bluetooth
speakers.

In the realm of his personal life, Putin remains notoriously secretive, guarding his family affairs
with utmost privacy. While it is known that he has two daughters, he rarely speaks about them,
and speculation suggests there may be additional children kept out of the public eye. Reports of
his daughters' marriages only surfaced years after the events, underscoring the level of secrecy
surrounding Putin's personal relationships.

However, as international pressure mounts amid Russia's actions in Ukraine, glimpses into
Putin's personal circle have emerged. When the family relocated to Moscow in 1996, Putin's
daughters attended a German-language school. However, their education was disrupted when
Putin assumed the role of acting president, leading to their withdrawal from school and home-
based instruction provided by teachers.

Reflecting on Putin's role as a father, his ex-wife Lyudmila remarked in an unspecified

statement on Putin's government website that not all fathers exhibit the same level of affection
towards their children. Lyudmila described Putin as indulgent towards their daughters, leaving
her with the responsibility of enforcing discipline.

Despite their admiration for their father and pride in his accomplishments, Putin's daughters
reportedly had limited interaction with him as his political career ascended, according to one of
his early biographers, Natalya Gevorkyan. The family became increasingly isolated and
surrounded by security measures after Putin assumed the position of prime minister for the first
time.

Gevorkyan also shed light on the dynamic between Putin and his wife, suggesting that their
marriage may have lacked genuine affection. Lyudmila was described as unhappy, with Putin
showing little physical affection towards her. Gevorkyan indicated that while Lyudmila held
respect towards her husband, there were indications that the love within the marriage may have
been one-sided.

One daughter from his first marriage, Katerina Tikhonova, has been thrust into the public eye,
taking on a significant role in managing import substitutions amidst the country's struggles with
sanctions.
Meanwhile, just prior to the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, attention turned to Alina
Kabaeva, rumored to be Putin's girlfriend. Her public praise for the state's war correspondents,
likening their effectiveness to that of a "Kalashnikov," adds another layer of intrigue to Putin's
personal connections.
In these rare glimpses into Putin's personal life, we catch a glimpse of the man behind the
political mask, a figure shrouded in secrecy yet occasionally revealing moments of humanity
amidst the geopolitical tumult.

Act 3: The Consequences of Power

Yet, for all his prowess, Putin’s reign is not without consequences. Behind closed doors, lives
are shattered, freedoms suppressed, and dissent silenced

As President Vladimir Putin's 24-year tenure appears poised for extension through the
upcoming presidential election, Russia's landscape has undergone a profound shift. What once
tolerated dissent now ruthlessly suppresses it, echoing echoes of the Soviet era.

Television, rather than the internet, remains the primary source of news, with the Kremlin's
narrative permeating every channel, every program, 24/7. From morning broadcasts setting the
agenda to daytime programming glorifying military endeavors, the media serves as an
unyielding propaganda machine.
On Channel One, the nation's oldest and most influential channel, a typical morning unfolds with
a relentless focus on Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine. War is sold and
humanized through recurring characters categorized into "us" and "them." Putin's soldiers,
depicted as noble heroes, contrast starkly with the demonization of Ukrainians as "Nazis" and
"terrorists."
Yet, amidst the glorification of military conquests, glimpses of ordinary life reveal a stark reality.
In talk shows exploring "citizens in complicated situations" or "sociopolitical programs," stories
of murder, extralegal exploits, and societal decay permeate the airwaves, leaving viewers with a
sense of foreboding and unease.

In this hostile universe, even superstitions are weaponized to instill fear. Political talk shows
propagate conspiracy theories, painting Ukrainian President Zelensky as cursed, with leaders
meeting political or physical misfortune upon crossing his path.
This relentless fearmongering marks a departure from Soviet-era constraints, as superstitions of
all stripes are conscripted to serve the ideological agenda. The television narrative paints a
picture of impending doom, urging viewers to prepare for a final showdown between good and
evil.
In Putin's Russia, the consequences of power are far-reaching, plunging ordinary citizens into a
world of uncertainty, oppression, and manipulation.

Act 4: The Final Judgment

This strategic control over media extended beyond Russia's borders, especially within the
former Soviet states, where Russian television wielded significant influence. By meticulously
crafting Putin's image as a modern, resolute leader, Russian media disseminated a narrative
that aligned with Kremlin objectives. Consequently, many societies within the Eurasian region
came to adopt a pro-Russian perspective on global affairs, including beliefs in Western
conspiracy theories and justifications for controversial actions such as the annexation of
Crimea.

However, the efficacy of Russian media varies across different countries. While it holds
significant sway in nations with limited local language programming, its impact is diminished in
regions where native-language television prevails, as seen in Azerbaijan and Georgia.

An illustrative example of the political ramifications of Russian media influence occurred during
the ousting of Kyrgyz President Bakiev in 2010. Putin's government orchestrated a punitive
campaign against Bakiev, utilizing confrontational rhetoric aired on Russian television, which
ultimately contributed to Bakiev's removal from power.
To expand its global reach, particularly beyond the post-Soviet space, the Kremlin invested
heavily in platforms like Russia Today (RT). RT, characterized by sophisticated programming
and Western journalists, presents a distinctly Russian perspective on world events while also
amplifying fringe Western conspiracy theories. Despite facing scrutiny, RT continues to expand
into new markets, including Germany, signaling its enduring role in shaping international
narratives.

Delving into the complexities of Putin's persona unveils a tapestry woven with both calculated
political maneuvers and glimpses of human emotion. His actions, driven by strategic calculation
and a desire for dominance, paint a portrait of a leader shaped by the tumultuous currents of
geopolitical power plays.
Yet, amidst the facade of political machinations, hints of empathy and rationality emerge, hinting
at a deeper humanity beneath the surface. Instances of familial affection and expressions of
concern for his country suggest a nuanced understanding of human connection and
responsibility.
Ultimately, the truth may lie in the delicate balance between the forces that shape Putin's
persona. While his environment undoubtedly exerts a profound influence, the essence of his
humanity, with its capacity for empathy and reason, remains a tantalizing enigma, inviting
speculation and reflection.

In the end, the answer remains elusive. Perhaps, in the ever-shifting landscape of power and
perception, the distinction between animal and human is not so clear-cut after all.

So, What do you think lies at the core of Putin's identity?. Is he merely a product of his
environment, driven by instinct and ambition, or does he possess the capacity for empathy and
reason, like any other human being? Share your perspective in the comments below.

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