Vladimir Putin's staff are badly impacted by the war: Sources close to Kremlin reveal key details

Russian newspaper Verstka reports that Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukrainetook a massive psychological and emotional toll on those working for him.

The media claims to have spoken to several insiders in recent days, and they all point to increased alcohol abuse amongst both Kremlin employees and their bosses.

Insiders link the heavy drinking to the stress caused by the news from the frontlines and pressure from Vladimir Putin and local elites to contribute to the much-desired victory.

According to Verstka, former Russian President and current deputy head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev who is known for his stark anti-Western statements often writes his rageful posts following alcohol consumption.

Here’s what we know.

Vladimir Putin’s staff allegedly starts a day ‘with a bottle of vodka’

Vladimir Putin’s staff struggle with the consequences of his invasion of Ukraine, Russian newspaper Verstka reveals.

The media that claims to have spoken to several employees in the presidential apparatus reports that although the staff and their bosses were known for drinking before, they are now 'starting the day with a bottle of vodka'.

Massive alcohol abuse concerns all ranks of employees, with some members of the elite neglecting their duties because of it. Insiders said that high-flying women in Russian politics started drinking a lot more too.

They link the bad habit to the pressure the war puts on workers' emotional wellbeing but also to Vladimir Putin’s unbearable demands on them as he promised Russians to win the war at any cost.

One source said:

Not everyone in the presidential administration started the day with a glass of vodka earlier. Now I know many more who do it, and with some, the glass has become a bottle.

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Dmitry Medvedev is told to drink excessively while Vladimir Putin stays sober

In the conversation with Verstka the insiders have confirmed rumours about former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev’s heavy alcohol consumption, saying that he is 'often drunk when he writes his apocalyptic threats of nuclear war'.

Now a deputy head of the Security Council, he has made a series of angry statements condemning the West, and the UK in particular for their support of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin himself is told to hardly drink alcohol and to have a 'very negative attitude' towards it and those who engage in excessive drinking.

Although he reportedly knows his way through a wine list, he publicly encourages healthy lifestyle and limited alcohol consumption.

Imported alcohol worth thousands per bottle is served on Kremlin banquets

According to Verstka, Russian political elite continues enjoying European spirits despite the Western sanctions, and expensive brands are served at banquets in Kremlin.

In fact, a lot more of them are imported and consumed in Moscow these days.

The sources said:

Previously, a maximum of one bottle of wine or vodka per person was served at official state banquets. Since the invasion of Ukraine began, the norm has increased, and now 1.5-two bottles of wine or vodka per person are served at the banquets.

Some of the drinks offered at fancy Kremlin include Louis XIII cognac - worth over £2,000 for a 70cl bottle - and the wine Château Margaux, which can cost more than £600,FBK, the non-profit anti-corruption foundation established by now-imprisoned Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny reveals.

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Sources used:

- Mail Online: 'Putin's administration staff 'are starting the day with a bottle of vodka and Security Council's Dmitry Medvedev is often drunk when he writes his apocalyptic threats of nuclear war''

- Verstka: 'One bottle on Kremlin banquet became two'