"Putin's Surprising Selfies: From Long Tables to Kissing Regular Russians"

Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for his germaphobia and preference for meeting people at ridiculously long tables, was photographed this week taking selfies and kissing regular Russians in an effort to do damage control after the Wagner rebellion. This marked his first public walkabout with members of the public since the pandemic began. The images provided a stark contrast to his usual meetings at long tables, which were used as a precaution against COVID-19. Experts suggest that the rebellion may have weakened Putin's position of power.