Vladimir Putin has already decided to use nuclear weapons because he wants to take world with him, it has been claimed.
As the Russian president celebrates his 70th birthday on Friday, he has already decided to use tactical nuclear weapons, says an expert on his failing health.
Political scientist Valery Solovey, a former professor at Moscow’s prestigious Institute of International Relations [MGIMO], claims the fanatical Kremlin leader is dying and wants to take the world with him.
This comes as Russian Orthodox churches have been ordered to hold special prayer services for his health on Saturday.
“The decision in principle about the use or demonstration of tactical nuclear weapons has been made,” said Dr Solovey, who has been consulted by Western embassies in Moscow after making claims over Putin’s medical condition.
“The question is how, when and where….
“I have no doubts that we will end up on the edge of death, but I know we will be able to back off. We will be able to go through this.”
He claimed the current situation is more dangerous and closer to “nuclear apocalypse” than during the Cuban missile crisis.
“The cause is the Russian president Vladimir Putin who seriously intends to demonstrate the capabilities of nuclear weapons - tactical nuclear weapons,” he said.
“Putin cannot allow himself to be defeated….
“He has two tools left in his sleeve - mobilisation, which he is using [and] nuclear weapons.”
Dr Solovey said Putin is in “very poor physiological health”.
He had long claimed that the Russian warmonger is suffering from serious illnesses including cancer, Parkinson’s disease and a schizoaffective disorder.
“The president is not able to adequately assess the situation and make proper decisions,” he said in a new video as Putin marks in 70th birthday in his home city St Petersburg.
“The state of his health is such that he has a very strong desire to take the world with him…
“He knows that he will pass away in a limited time - and how is it possible for the world to carry on without him?
"Why should the world exist without its genius leader Vladimir Putin…?”
Dr Solovey warned the West in a new video he posted not to rely on senior Kremlin officials intervening to stop him going nuclear.
“Don't be deluded, do not hope that someone in the Russian establishment will stop Putin,” he said.
“These people are resigned [to the idea] Putin will take this first step.”
Russia has multiple options on firing tactical - or battlefield - nuclear weapons if Putin gives the order despite the strongest warnings from the West that he will face immense retaliation.
One possibility is his nuclear capable Iskander missiles.
In May some were moved close to the border with Finland, while they have also been deployed with conventional warheads during the Ukrainian war.
Dr Solovey - who is not a medical doctor but claims to have sources in high Kremlin circles - claimed last week that Putin’s health is “dramatically deteriorating”.
"Modern therapy, targeted therapy for oncological diseases, is of such quality that you will be working until literally the last few hours," he said.
He was asked about CIA director William Burns saying that Putin - far from being ill - was “too healthy”.
Solovey replied this was a “perfect example of Anglo-Saxon sarcasm” adding: “The Americans know what’s happening to [Putin].
“They know the real situation, and they are actually concerned because of it…”
Reports said that the Orthodox Church, led by close Putin supporter Patriarch Kirill, is to hold special prayer sessions for the president’s health the day after his 70th birthday.
Putin is expected in St Petersburg to meet leaders of ex-Soviet states on his birthday.
The Kremlin has said Putin is in good health.
