Well, I would say it doesn't come across as "acting" to me when Naryshkin "stuttered" or "mumbled". And I don't think, just because he is who he is, that he "wouldn't stutter" or that it "would be very unlikely". It looks to me like what we see is what happened. From my point of view, there are several things that might play into this:
Naryshkin was put under pressure by Putin for what he said. In particular, how he phrased his answer. I guess that the phrase "in the worst case scenario" that Naryshkin used as his opinion on the question of granting Donbass independence/support is what Putin irked there especially. And indeed, I think it is understandable that Putin would find this particular word choice more than a little strange and irksome in that particular situation (with all the context), since from his and any sane person's point of view that particular weird word choice in this situation is kinda strange.
Also, it seemed to me that Putin was irritated by Naryshkin beating around the bush in his answer. Putin wanted more or less a simple and clear yes or no answer to the question if he is for or against granting independence to Donbass at that point. Further, this probably frightened Naryshkin since he would have probably liked to say "no" and fearing the consequences Putin would initiate toward him in response (aka. firing him at best, or making him "disappear"). The fear of "being disappeared" I would suggest is not something that in reality he would have to fear (being fired though!), but he probably believes it, thanks to his delusions about who Putin is and what he will do. It doesn't necessarily mean that Putin isn't actually using such tactics in reality or used them in the past, just that IMO Putin would probably only use the "disappear" method, as the absolutely very last option if no other official/lawful option can possibly be implemented first. Putin might also often capitalize on that fear in his enemies in order to counter them (as explained in one of my last posts, in terms of using the petty tyrant and their tricks and thinking against themselves).
Further, what could have played into it is that Putin was irritated by his answer since they might have all agreed on a common stance beforehand toward the situation before they went on air (to support their independence) and Naryshkin betrayed that promise/agreement (and thereby essentially sticking "a knife in Putin's back") by not really abiding by the agreed route, as soon as he was asked about it in public.
Also, as Putin stated a while ago, there are many things he can forgive, but one thing he can't forgive, namely; Betrayal:
Putin: 'Betrayal is the most shameful act'
Russian president Vladimir Putin has again criticised Turkey for shooting down a Russian warplane, describing it as a 'betrayal'.
www.bbc.com
'I can never forgive betrayal', warns Putin in new documentary
The Russian President, widely expected to be reelected on Sunday, said in a new documentary that 'not everything' can be forgiven - in particular 'betrayal'.
And if you think about it, yes indeed, betrayal belongs to the most unforgivable things or sins a human being can engage in...
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