In the days before the invasion, Russian TV broadcast a session of President Putin's 30-member security council
BBC: Ukraine conflict: Who's in Putin's inner circle and running the war?
Vladimir Putin cuts a solitary figure, leading Russia's military into a high-risk war that threatens to tear apart his country's economy.
He has rarely looked more isolated than in two recent, choreographed appearances with his inner circle, where he sits at a resolute distance from his closest advisers.
As commander in chief, ultimate responsibility for the invasion rests with him, but he has always relied on a deeply loyal entourage, many of whom also began their careers in Russia's security services.
The question is who has his ear, during this most fateful moment in his presidency?
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WNU editor: Here is another list with a few more names .... Vladimir Putin: The security men, officials, and friends who are in Russian president's inner circle (SKY News).
I would add one more person to the list. Vladimir Medinsky (link here) is President Putin's top aide. He is also the head of the Russian delegation holding talks with Ukraine in Belarus.