'Showing mini-stroke signs': Kremlin insider drops health bombshell on Putin
What's the story
Speculation about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health has intensified, with a former Kremlin speechwriter suggesting he may even have experienced a "mini-stroke."
Abbas Gallyamov, who served as Putin's speechwriter during his first two presidential terms until 2008, believes that the president exhibited signs of serious health issues two years ago.
He told Daily Express, "He definitely has some problems. Journalists are writing about cancer, but what we saw back in 2022 looked more like the consequences of a mini-stroke."
Health concerns
Putin's health under scrutiny since 2022
The Russian leader's health has been in question for years, with rumors of him suffering from everything, including Parkinson's disease to cancer.
Speculation grew after a 2022 incident when he was seen shaking uncontrollably while meeting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Footage from the event showed him walking stiffly and shaking as he approached his ally, fueling concerns about his health.
Diplomatic talks
Putin to discuss ceasefire in Ukraine
Amid health rumors, Putin spoke to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Putin rejected an immediate and full ceasefire in Ukraine, but agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, following the call.
He stated that a comprehensive ceasefire would only be possible if foreign military aid and information sharing with Ukraine were discontinued.
Ceasefire terms
Russian military to stop strikes against energy facilities
As agreed, ordered the Russian military to stop strikes against energy facilities.
According to the Kremlin's account of the call, Russia and Ukraine will also exchange 175 inmates.
Additionally, Russia and the US are forming "expert groups" to continue negotiations.
Putin indicated that "the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict....should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv."