Chilling moment Putin is pictured with ‘Russia’s secret nuclear briefcase’ at funeral – amid fears of World War 3

VLADIMIR Putin has stoked fears of World War 3 after being pictured with Russia’s suspected nuclear briefcase. The Russian president was spotted at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Moscow, paying his respects to firebrand ultra-nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky. A man in a suit was seen carrying the alleged Russian nuclear briefcase A man in a suit was also seen close to Putin evidently carrying the Russian nuclear briefcase.  The visible presence of a top military officer carrying the launch apparatus for the Kremlin’s strategic missiles is chilling at a time of fears that Putin could deploy his atomic weapons.  Armed guards standing at the coffin later were also not present as Putin laid a bunch of red roses at the foot of the coffin. Dressed in all black, he then made the sign of the cross in front of Zhirinovsky’s open casket. Read More in World News GUNNED DOWN Childhood pals, 27, shot dead at Tel Aviv bar as 'terrorist' gunman opens fire DEAD TANK Incredible moment Russian tank is blown up by bomb planted by brave Ukrainian Almost all other mourners were cleared from the Church as Putin bade farewell to the far-right politician. They may also reflect fears he could catch Covid – a longtime worry amid informed speculation that he is suffering from thyroid cancer.  In contrast, when  ex-Russian president Dmitry Medvedev also paid his respects, many other  mourners were present in the vast and crowded church.  Zhirinovsky died 15 weeks after predicting long in advance the date of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Most read in News GUNNED DOWN Childhood pals, 27, shot dead at Tel Aviv bar as 'terrorist' gunman opens fire LAY OFF MY MISSUS My wife loves her country like I love mine, says Rishi as he slams smears 'KILL THEM ALL' Russia's 'chilling order to wipe out civilians in horrifying radio message' MUM-BELIEVABLE I have lesbian threesomes with my MUM – I love sharing her with other women 'ANIMAL' Sabina's parents blast evil killer as he cowers in cell scared to face them TRAGIC CRASH Newlywed dad dead and bride fighting for life weeks after they tied the knot