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I find this either delusional or disingenuous. Putin has been Putin forever. Remember that Khodorkovsky had a massive fallout with Putin and ended fleeing the country, he has a vested interest in painting himself in a certain way.

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I don't know what you find hard to believe in the idea that an ex-KGB man who has been an autocratic illiberal leader for over 20 years now, might just be quite manipulative and duplicitous in his diplomatic communications.

Because it has always been quite clear, and he has always been quite clear, about what he is about. And that's also not new for Russia.

Do you think the guys in Langley haven't known exactly what he is about all along?

Of course Khodorkovsky knew as well but now it's best for him to say he was played and is a victim.

He’s also saying Putin hasn’t changed, and that he’s able to present himself as aligned with the listener. Makes sense as the best politicians can do this well.

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