Russian President Vladimir Putin took a chance to rest his eyes during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics on Friday and appeared to fall asleep just as Ukraine’s national team began its march.
As the Ukrainian athletes were being introduced, the cameras turned to Putin, who was seated comfortably with his eyes closed, according to a report.
The Russian president opened his eyes and saluted when his nation’s athletes marched through Beijing National Stadium.
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The Russian Olympians could not enter under their flag or march to their anthem due to Russia’s four-year Olympic ban, a consequence of the country’s widespread doping violations and a government-sanctioned cover-up.
Putin’s apparent snooze comes as tensions mount between Russia and Ukraine, the latter increasingly surrounded by Russian forces.
NBC’s shot of Putin sleeping during Ukraine’s entrance is also doing the rounds on Chinese social media. pic.twitter.com/txkN2CHQLe
— Mark Dreyer (@DreyerChina) February 4, 2022
Putin has ordered at least 100,000 Russian troops to the Ukrainian border, the report noted, ahead of a possible invasion.
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Many on social media allege that the Russian leader faked the nap as a sign of disrespect to Ukraine.
