Recent hypothesis about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s well being has surfaced following feedback he made throughout a televised look on Friday, prompting the Kremlin to difficulty swift denials.
The 72-year-old chief appeared alongside well being minister Mikhail Murashko in a phase encouraging residents to obtain flu vaccinations. In the course of the broadcast, Putin talked about present process “common examinations” on the Central Scientific Hospital in Moscow, which sparked a wave of rumours about his well-being.
“Medical doctors on the Central Scientific Hospital, the place I endure all types of standard examinations, additionally advocate getting vaccinated with domestically produced medication,” Putin mentioned, in what was meant to advertise flu vaccines, based on media reports.
Additionally Learn | Kremlin confirms Trump despatched Putin Covid check machines for private use
Nonetheless, his remarks led to on-line hypothesis about the opportunity of underlying well being considerations, which his aides have been fast to dismiss. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov moved to downplay the rumours, stressing that Putin’s assertion referred to routine check-ups.
“He meant routine medical examinations,” Peskov informed reporters, disregarding considerations concerning the president’s situation.
Additionally Learn | Russia’s Putin cements ties with Iranian president in Central Asia assembly
Putin well being rumours
This newest spherical of hypothesis follows claims from Ukrainian intelligence officers that Putin has been utilizing physique doubles at some public occasions. In 2022, Main Common Kyrylo Budanov, the top of Ukraine’s navy intelligence, alleged that variations in Putin’s look — together with variations in his ears — indicated using stand-ins. The claims resurfaced earlier this 12 months, with Andriy Yusov, one other Ukrainian intelligence official, asserting that Putin’s visits to occupied Ukrainian areas have been “staged” with doubles.
“Putin makes use of doubles,” Yusov informed Ukrainska Pravda, stating that intelligence and skilled evaluation supported the claims. He additionally cited a go to to southern Ukraine in March for instance, calling the looks “unexpectedly organized” and stating discrepancies within the chief’s behaviour and bodily traits.
Although such theories have been broadly circulated, they continue to be unproven, and the Kremlin has persistently denied any use of physique doubles or considerations over Putin’s well being.
