Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comments during a televised segment have reignited speculation about his health, prompting swift responses from the Kremlin to quell the rumors.
The 72-year-old leader appeared with Health Minister Mikhail Murashko to encourage flu vaccinations, during which he mentioned undergoing “regular examinations” at the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow. This remark triggered concerns about his well-being.
“Doctors at the Central Clinical Hospital, where I undergo regular check-ups, recommend getting vaccinated with domestically produced drugs,” Putin stated, aiming to promote flu vaccines, according to media reports.
However, his comments led to increased online speculation regarding potential underlying health issues, which Kremlin aides quickly dismissed. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Putin was referring to routine medical examinations, downplaying the concerns.
This round of speculation follows earlier claims from Ukrainian intelligence officials suggesting that Putin has employed body doubles at public events. In 2022, Major General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, noted apparent variations in Putin’s appearance, including differences in his ears, as evidence of using stand-ins. These allegations resurfaced earlier this year, with another official, Andriy Yusov, asserting that Putin’s visits to occupied regions were staged with body doubles.
“Putin uses doubles,” Yusov claimed, citing intelligence analysis to support his assertions, particularly highlighting a visit to southern Ukraine in March as hastily organized and noting discrepancies in Putin’s behavior and physical traits.
Despite the circulation of such theories, they remain unverified, and the Kremlin has consistently denied any claims regarding body doubles or concerns about Putin’s health.