Vladimir Putin is in a "heightened emotional state" following the Wagner mutiny, a Russia expert says.
The rebellion, although ultimately a failure, was the most overt challenge Putin has ever faced and has ultimately weakened him, experts say.
"Recently, his public appearances have depicted an inexplicable joy bordering on euphoria, a stark departure from his usual demeanor," said Stanovaya.
Russian President Vladimir Putin kisses a participant of a meeting in a street in Derbent in the southern region of Dagestan, Russia, June 28, 2023.
"His heightened emotional state makes him more susceptible to manipulation.
Persons:
Vladimir Putin, Wagner, Tatiana Stanovaya, —, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Putin
Organizations:
Service, Wagner Group, Sputnik, REUTERS, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, Twitter
Locations:
Russia, Russian, Moscow, Dagestan, Derbent, Kremlin