Russia dismisses 'hoax' about Putin being ill, using body doubles
The Kremlin has called the latest reports regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's alleged ill health an "absurd hoax," asserting he is in good shape. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also refuted claims that Putin employed body doubles. This came after an unverified report by a Russian Telegram channel, which some Western media outlets even circulated, claimed that Putin, who turned 71 on October 7, suffered a severe health incident on Sunday night.
Telegram channel report describes alleged health incident
The Telegram channel "General SVR" reportedly claimed that around 9:00pm on Sunday (Moscow time), Putin's security personnel detected noises and sounds of falling objects from the president's bedroom. "Two security officers immediately followed into the president's bedroom and saw Putin lying on the floor next to the bed and an overturned table with food and drinks," it said. It further claimed Putin seemed to be experiencing convulsions, rolling his eyes, leading to doctors on duty at the residence being summoned.
Putin's recent schedule, previous body double denials
Following these unverified reports, the Kremlin has clarified that Putin was healthy. Meanwhile, Putin continues to engage in a packed agenda of meetings and public events, many of which are broadcast. His recent travels included a trip to China last week. He also made stops in two Russian cities on his return journey. To recall, in a 2020 interview, Putin dismissed long-standing rumors about him using doppelgangers but admitted being offered the opportunity to use one for security purposes.
Kremlin reiterated Putin's 'enviable health' in April
Earlier in April 2003, too, Kremlin spokesperson Peskov referred to body double rumors as "another falsehood" and stressed that President Putin was in perfect health. The latest denial of both health conjecture and body double gossip highlights Russia's dedication to preserving the image of a robust and active leader despite persistent rumors and unconfirmed reports suggesting otherwise. Similar rumors surfaced in November last year after the British tabloid Daily Mail reported about Putin's "bloated and pallid" look.
