Putin is singing from the familiar Paranoid Despot Songbook

The unfolding tragedy In Ukraine illustrates that Vladimir Putin is well down the path previously followed by many paranoid narcissistic psychopathic leaders, and like most of his predecessors has reached the stage of complete self-deception and loss of insight. There may well be no going back for him and the main question now is how many people will die before he is forcibly stopped or killed. He has amply demonstrated his cruel psychopathy, honed by his KGB training. He has exploited historical grievances and shown the skill and charisma to persuade much of his population to be controlled and manipulated, using lies, bribes, clever distortions and empty promises. He is now leading them to disaster. His recent speeches have revealed the real extent of his paranoia and grandiosity. He is probably not yet clinically psychotic, but that only makes him more dangerous. The world must hope that his close circle, who have been in his thrall until now, will recognise the reality that faces them and the Russian people and take the steps necessary to stop him before the inevitable disaster that awaits them, the people of Ukraine and all of us.