Putin's inability to see reality leaves him as emperor without clothes

Russia turns to North Korea as its woes in Ukraine cool ties with Central Asia

20230925 Putin Kim Insight

Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome for space launches in the Amur area of the Russian Far East on Sept. 13. (Sputnik/Reuters)

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

TOKYO -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has faced major setbacks in his attempt to conquer Ukraine, but apparently he still believes that he is a great leader, judging from the way he behaves toward Western nations.

Yet many of Russia's allies have begun to distance themselves from Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine. If Putin does not notice that, he really is an emperor with no clothes.

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