A Kremlin "spy tsar" tipped to take interim charge of Russia as Vladimir Putin reportedly undergoes a cancer op is a hardliner who believes Europe has no future.
Unconfirmed reports have emerged claiming that Nikolai Patrushev has been handpicked by the Russian leader to take temporary charge while he is incapacitated.
There has been widespread speculation about Putin's health since the start of his disastrous invasion of Ukraine in February, with some analysts suggesting his behaviour has become increasingly erratic.
