Putin Celebrates 72nd Birthday Amid Nationalism

President Vladimir Putin celebrated his 72nd birthday with nationalist wishes, notably from Alexander Dugin, who proclaimed 'God save the Tsar' on Telegram. Dugin, a key figure in Russian imperialism and supporter of the Ukraine invasion, called Putin's age a 'second youth' and wished him divine blessings. Putin's recent landslide electoral win has solidified his power, potentially making him Russia's longest-serving leader in over 200 years. However, his governance is marked by accusations of autocracy and a controversial war in Ukraine, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction. Meanwhile, speculations about Putin's health persist, with reports suggesting he may be exploring anti-aging treatments. The contrasting views of Putin's leadership highlight ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy labeling the recent election as illegitimate.