Paranoid Putin's life in the crosshairs: As one despot after another is assassinated, how the Russian tyrant is taking desperate steps to stay alive, writes MARK GALEOTTI

Russian President Vladimir Putin's life is at risk due to a series of assassinations of despots, prompting him to take desperate measures to stay alive. This comes as a string of dictators have been killed, raising concerns for Putin's safety. Putin's security is being tightened in response.