Putin takes 'Nuclear Football' to church as he attends funeral of military pal

dailystar.co.uk:

reports.A man wearing a dark suit was seen close by to Putin carrying a briefcase which could be the Russian equivalent to America's "Nuclear Football" - a device capable of authorising a nuclear strike.Although such a device is designed to be within reach of the Russian president at all times, the fact that it has been shown off at a public event is a chilling reminder of Putin's thinly-veiled threats about "consequences you have never seen in your history" which he made to Western nations when Russian forces invaded Ukraine.

The ejection of mourners from the cathedral is the latest in a long line of increasingly paranoid measures that Putin has taken to protect against assassination attempts, with the measure showing a lack of trust even in his own supporters.There were also no armed guards standing by the coffin when Putin approached to pay his respects.Distancing could also be motivated by a fear of catching covid, which has been a concern as informed speculation mounts that Putin is suffering from thyroid cancer.The scenes were markedly different from how former president Dmitry Medvedev paid his respects, as mourners were allowed to remain in the enormous and crowded building.