Putin's inner circle closes in around him

Russia Ukraine Invasion — Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, speaks to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, second left, and Head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia and First Deputy Defense Minister Valery Gerasimov, left, during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has surrounded himself with yes men for years, feasting on their praise, rewarding their greed, and looking the other way as they plundered the country.

All Putin asked for in exchange was unconditional loyalty, something that has been put to the test following his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

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Putin’s inner circle closes in around him

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