Political commentators in Moscow are all-a-chatter today over the unprecedented gossip that Vladimir Putin has been observed smirking slightly. 

The current record was set in 2006 when he was seen briefly sporting a wry smile over the news of the death of the defected agent Alexander Litvinenko.

The cause of the current drama is said to have occurred whilst he was watching the live transmission of British MPs debating what action to take against Russia over their alleged war crimes in Syria.

The critical moment arose when Boris Johnson called for protests outside the Russian embassy. Anonymous sources have told us Putin was seen to visibly smirk and quietly mutter under his breath. Apparently others in the room “were agog”.

Since the Brexit vote and reformation of the British Empire, MPs in the U.K. are feeling bullish at their newly found power and glory. Politicians are threatening to send rude emails to the Russian embassy, and deploy their one old tank to crush the Russian military massed at the Syrian border.

One blond-haired member of the cabinet told us “The British bulldog has been let off it’s leash and is now free to ravage the Ruskies”. The MP has asked we keep his name secret, to “avoid Litvinenko-itis”.

Meanwhile the war in Syria continues unabated.