Putin's emotional state is alarming, and not for the reasons we thought

Leading up to Russia’s launch of a military operation against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation twice within days, first on February 21, then on February 24, 2022.

Knowing today of the events that followed, and given Putin’s remarks in a video conference meeting with cabinet members on March 10, 2022, an emotional evaluation of his speech trajectory will be offered. I explore Putin’s emotional progression from one communication to the next:

1) days prior to Russia’s invasion;

2) moments before launching the assault; and

3) two weeks following the start of Russia’s military attack.

As many attempt to predict what Putin will or won’t do next, a look at his communications reveals much about his emotional evolution and how this translates into his next actions.