Russian Telegram channel has rumours flying about Vladimir Putin’s health, here's why

Over the years, the Russian President has faced a lot of scrutiny concerning his health. People have not only alleged that he has cancer, but reports have also surfaced saying that his medication for this disease has altered his mental state. For several years now, many have suggested that Putin has a body double.

Indeed, just last week there was another surge of suspicion as Anton Gerashchenko, a Ukrainian minister internal affairs advisor, took to X to share a video where Putin - or someone who looks a lot like him - appears to forget on which wrist he wears his watch. The footage was taken during a meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects. Gerashchenko points out the mistake and asks, ‘What’s going on?’.

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The Russian Telegram channel’s post

On Tuesday 28 August, Gerashchenko asked the same question again. This time, he shared a post by ‘Z-blogger’ Pozdnyakov which shows a picture of a weary Putin and is captionned: ‘God, don't you leave us. Pray to God you are alive and healthy.’

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This has sparked another round of comments about the Russian President’s health. X users are either concerned or delighted.Even those who are skeptical still have hope that Putin is, in fact, not long for this world.

At the time of writing, Gerashchenko’s post already has 3,764 likes and 1.1 million views.

It is not known who the blogger is, the motive behind his post, or whether Vladimir Putin's health is indeed compromised.

Kremlin has continuously denied any reports of the Russian leader being in bad health.

Update on Putin’s movements

In recent news, Putin has told the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will not be attending the G20 SUmmit in Delhi. The meeting is to take place next month, over the 9-10 September.

Due to a ‘busy schedule’, according to a Russian government spokesperson, Putin will not attend himself, but will send his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in his place. This is the second time in the past two weeks that the Russian President has avoided attending a summit in person. Last week, he only joined the BRICS summit in South Africa virtually with a pre-recorded video in which he gave his speech. However, this was reportedly to avoid arrest as Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court over the abduction of Ukrainian children.

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Sources used:

Express: 'What is going on?' Putin health mystery as supporters pray Russian leader is ‘alive’

BBC: G20: Putin tells India PM Modi he will not attend Delhi summit

Sky News: Vladimir Putin attends BRICS summit virtually to avoid war crimes arrest