Vladimir Putin's right-hand woman is Valentina Matviyenko, a Ukrainian-born politician who passionately supports his war

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has known Valentina Matviyenko for decades.  (Kremlin via Reuters: Evgenia Novozhenina)

As Vladimir Putin's plan to invade Ukraine gained momentum in February this year, he called a surprise meeting of his inner circle.

The Russian President sat glowering behind a desk while members of his National Security Council squirmed on little chairs like schoolchildren.