Putin’s meeting in Tehran with the leaders of Iran and Turkey is now being presented by pro-Kremlin propaganda as almost a global geopolitical revolution and the creation of an «axis of good». To understand the extent of their schizophrenia, it is enough to compare what the same Konstantin Malofeev writes about it. Not only is he the host of a television channel called «Tsargrad» (which is what the Orthodox revanchists call Istanbul), but also his movement directly prayed for the «return of Constantinople» to Orthodoxy during the recent cross procession in Ekaterinburg. This is all you need to know about how they understand alliances and what they consider «good».
In fact, it is precisely for this reason that the West has rejected them, in whose league Putin undoubtedly wants to be, instead of «determining the fate of the world» with the leaders of the Eastern countries. But even among the leaders of the East, from whom he sought support not out of the goodness of his heart, Putin looked pale. It was impossible not to notice that Putin, who is accustomed to sitting with his legs spread wide, demonstrating his dominance, was in every way restrained in the presence of his Iranian counterpart. And President Erdogan, whom Putin is used to making wait for almost all of his colleagues, had to wait himself, and in front of journalists.
In general, it seems that Putin is no longer considered an equal by leaders not only in the West, but also in the East. He increasingly looks like a lame duck to everyone — from his political reputation to his walk.