As speculation over Vladimir Putin’s health rocket, the political scientist commented on Victory Day celebrations and claimed the Russian leader looked “rather frail” during the ceremony. Putin was filmed coughing and hugging underneath a blanket while in the middle of the parade. Mr Katchanovski pointed out Putin might be realising “[Russia] is in real trouble” in Ukraine as not all members of Putin’s inner circle showed up at the parade, reporters in Russia confirmed.
Mr Katchanovski said: “You think normally this would be a galvanising moment.
“But actually I think Putin looked rather frail during the ceremony.
“And they cancelled the flyover.
“They said it was the weather, but it appeared kind of sunny to me so I’m not really sure.
“I think this is kind of sending a mixed message whereas normally this is a big martial high event for nationalism.”
Sky News Australia presenter pointed out: “It’s also been noted by a few different reporters that not all of his inner circle was present during the show [during Victory Day parade]
“Does that suggest that things are not well behind the scenes?”
Mr Katchanovski responded: “It suggests at the very least that a lot of his commanding brass is being sent forward to try to unstick the situation.
“And as I said their forces are not nearly as well as they expected.
“There’s even been some advances down in the south towards by the Ukrainian forces.
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Addressing his nation at the parade, Putin drew a parallel between the Soviet Union’s fighting against Nazi Germany during WW2 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Referring to the invasion, he said that the military operation in Ukraine was necessary as “the threat that was absolutely unacceptable to us has been methodically created next to our borders.
“The danger was rising by the day, and Russia has given pre-emptive response to any aggression”.
He also added: “Moscow’s special operation in Ukraine would achieve its results, and all plans are being fulfilled”.