I was concerned when I learned of Russian hardline Defence Minister Sergie Shoigu's track record. Now I'm even more concerned that the head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, want him ousted because of his lack of success in the Ukraine.

Strangely, another close confidant of Vladimir Putin, 46yr old ultimillionaire Nicolas Petrunin, is reported to have died as a result of complications due to Covid. Luckily he was nowhere near a high floor hospital window at the time.

Also, the 49yr old Lt. Colin. Roman Malyk has died but this maybe suicide. Yes, he stabbed himself 26 times in the heart. Not really. Sadly he was found hanging from a fence near his property. Even in war we can say sincerely that our thoughts go out to his family. He had been in charge of enlisting men for the mobilisation conscription strategy.

So, is Putin knocking off his friends, foes and confidants that fear him?

Twithay?