Forbes has a new article suggesting Putin is playing the madman on purpose.

Forbes has a new article suggesting Putin is playing the madman on purpose. https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelkrepon/2022/03/01/putin-plays-the-mad-man-card-in-ukraine

But another article says Putin has been "uncharacteristically" angry at members of his inner circle. Does he know he is spied on in his inner circle, so he keeps up the madman appearance? Seems unlikely.