Putin's body language and expressions signal decline

A Danish opinion piece suggests that Vladimir Putin's body language and facial expressions now betray a sense of impending doom, a stark contrast to the image of unwavering confidence he projected earlier. The author posits that what Putin and his propagandists once framed as a controlled exercise has evolved into a visible, tangible war impacting Russian cities, making the illusion of progress and victory increasingly difficult to sustain.

The commentary draws a parallel with the song lyric, "The empire falls / and the sun sets," evoking a sense of decline. This sentiment was expressed during a commemoration of the first anniversary of Russia's war in Ukraine, where it initially sounded like mere wishful thinking. At that time, the prevailing mood was described as somber, marked by uncertainty and anxiety over an aggressive Russia led by a seemingly triumphant Putin, who rallied his people for war, death, destruction, and further conquests.

However, the current analysis suggests a shift. The piece implies that the reality of the war, now palpable even within Russia's major cities, is eroding the narrative of inevitable success. The author's reflection points to a potential unraveling of the carefully constructed image of Russian strength and Putin's unshakeable resolve, hinting that the "sun is setting" on his imperial ambitions.