TMR Editor’s Note
The Millennium Report published an article (See link below) which explains the greatest likelihood behind President Putin’s 10-day absence from public view. Given the level of unrelenting hostility by the Western powers, why would he ever reveal his whereabouts when conducting such a reclusive and necessary retreat?

Is Valdimir Putin’s public absence related to the Russian Orthodox Lenten schedule?

President Vladimir Putin Appears As Scheduled In St Petersburg With President Of Kyrgyzstan

Vladimir Putin missing: Russian President appears in public for first time in 10 days

LIZZIE DEARDEN
The Independent

Vladimir Putin has appeared in public for the first time in 10 days to meet with the President of Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting between the Russian President and Almazbek Atambayev in the Constantine Palace, near St Petersburg, follows more than a week of intense speculation over Putin’s sudden disappearance from the public eye.

Mr. Putin did not address the issue while answering questions from reporters summoned for the occasion, saying only: “It would be boring without gossip.”

“Judging by the Atambayev’s expression, Putin’s handshake is strong,” a Russian reporter at the scene quipped on Twitter.

Denying rumours of illness last week, Mr. Putin’s official spokesperson said his handshake “can break a hand.”

President Atambayev reportedly addressed the assembled media before the start of the meeting confirming the Russian leader’s good health and claiming he was in “great shape”.

Rumours that Mr. Putin was dead have been struck off the list but there has not yet been any formal explanation of his whereabouts.

After a string of high-profile engagements were cancelled last week, many reports pointed to illness, which could have been kept secret by Mr. Putin’s spokesperson to protect his macho image.

The Kremlin has denied claims that his alleged girlfriend, former gymnast Alina Kabaeva, had given birth to their child in Switzerland.

Other theories suggested an alleged secret service coup or covert plastic surgery, possibly a facelift for the President, who looks surprisingly youthful at 62.

A statement from the Kremlin said that today’s meeting with Mr. Atambayev would discuss “continued steps to develop bilateral co-operation, particularly trade and investment ties, cultural and humanitarian contacts, and relations in the energy sector”.

Mr. Putin and the Kyrgyz leader were also due to discuss the former Soviet nation’s accession to EU rival the Eurasian Economic Union.