Putin's Hint of Humanity

This image from Reuter’s article, “Russia becomes first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine” frames Vladimir in his state office.

Analyzing the physical elements of this image, questions can be raised about one of the most mysterious men on the planet, who smothers any form of personal information with a hardened exterior.

To start, his office lacks any intricate detail in favor of ultra modern minimalism. A more boring arrangement cannot be conjured, with the white walls, plain tile floors and heavy brown desk. Any details that exist are straight lines that break the solid colors

The bulky desk reflects Vladimir’s cold exterior with its dark brown accentuating its heaviness and fortitude. This massy slab of wood lacks any form of character, functioning as an impenetrable wall, preventing any threat from entering the Kremlin’s bubble.

The Russian flag emblazoned with the imperial eagle stands tall and proud behind the noble leader. The flag is a key tool in Vladimir’s constant push to promote the superiority of Russian heritage, combined with the communist desire to be a world superpower.

An interesting detail is Vladimir’s desktop image. Typically, a desktop background whether on an iphone, laptop, or desktop computer, is an opportunity to display a personal image, whether it be a significant other, a child, or a favorite sporting team. Here, Vladimir chooses to display the Moscow Kremlin building showing his ceaseless patriotic will to promote the image of Russia.

It is predictable that Vladimir’s desk is bereft of any familial pictures that decorate most working desks. Any evidence of personal information would compromise his image as the cold blooded leader of a proud nation.

In this image, Vladimir tells us that Russia is his most cherished relationship, nothing beyond the matters of state can possibly deter his focus. While Vladimir would certainly like us to believe this, is it physically possible to maintain this mental state?

This specific question is open to debate, however, this image does offer a rare glimpse into Vladimir’s internal emotion.

With thirteen faces projected onto the TV screen, a now ubiquitous Zoom session is in full swing. The Zoom call has materialized the isolation, depression and fatigue that has crept into everyone’s home around the world, and even into one of the most determined and powerful figures on earth.

Vladimir’s face reflects the corrosive effects of the virus, producing a rare expression of fatigue.

A man who has maintained an impenetrable exterior for his entire political career, has finally faltered just enough to show a glimpse of his humanity.

Maybe a takeaway from this situation is that the depression, gloom and drainage we all feel is normal, and if a man of robotic apathy feels a drain, it's definitely ok if we do too.