The Wire

There have been a number of reports that Vladimir Putin is not well.

From unsteady movements, to puffiness, a bad pallor numerous signs have been picked up to indicate there could be something serious about the health of the Russian President.

His close confidant hardline Secreatary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev is an old pal from the days of the Cheka, and it appears he will be given the reins of the Russian Federation if Putin is to be given an operation.  But given his paranoia, the medical team will be carefully chosen and will be under a great deal of pressure.