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While a hardline ally 'holds the Kremlin reins', opposition source claims Public appearances by Vladimir Putin were reportedly staged to mask absence Old footage was used in video appearances for several meetings, it was alleged Nikolai Patrushev - a former FSB chief - is now in virtual control of the Kremlin Public appearances by Vladimir Putin were 'staged' last week to mask an absence from duties, raising new speculation about his health, an opposition source claimed. Old footage was used in video appearances for several meetings, it was alleged. Trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev - a former FSB chief - is...

Anatoly Antonov said America is secretly giving Putin terms of negotiation He implied some inside the Kremlin are ready to give up the fight in Ukraine The senior diplomat stressed he was not among those willing to capitulate His comments come as Russia fails to make significant progress in Ukraine The Russian ambassador to the US has sensationally hinted at a split in the Kremlin hierarchy over Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Speaking on Russian state TV, envoy Anatoly Antonov said America is secretly giving the Kremlin the terms of negotiations to halt the brutal fighting. This comes amid a...