Rumours about Vladimir Putin’s wavering health have continued to circulate after new footage of the Russian President appeared to show him “twisted from pain”.
Putin appeared to be gripping his desk in agony during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow after claims he is suffering from “intensified pain” in his abdomen.
Commentators have pointed out that the footage has been released by the Kremlin, which only releases content that shows the President in his best light.
They suggest the President could be in an even worse state behind closed doors.
Putin met with lieutenant Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
Reuters
Putin met with lieutenant Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in an attempt to display the two men’s brilliant health, but the stunt appeared to backfire.
General SVR, a Telegram Channel which exploits Putin’s alleged medical problems, said that he was suffering at the meeting.
A new post reviewing the meeting said: “The meeting was supposed to demonstrate the excellent health of the participants and their ‘strong handshake’.
“It didn't work out very well. Putin, on the background of undergoing urgent therapy, does not feel well, and recently he has again intensified pain in his abdomen, which is not always possible to completely stop.”
Putin appeared to be in pain as he gripped the desk during the pair's conversation.
Reuters
Later, it claimed Putin was “twisted from pain, [and] convulsively grabs the table with his hand.
“This is on the official Kremlin recording, where the best and most successful shots are used."
Kadyrov told Putin his troops in Ukraine would fight until victory was achieved.
Kadyrov said fighters from this region were "successfully carrying out their duties and were intent on fighting to the victorious end."
Vladimir Putin has appeared in pain at a number of events recently.
Reuters
Speaking in the Kremlin, Kadyrov said people in the southern Russian region were fully behind what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.
But the head of Putin’s private army warned the President that Russian forces “will collapse” if they do not receive further support from Moscow.
Last week, Wagner Group co-founder Yevgeny Prigozhin posted a video saying his forces were promised ammunition last month, but it had not yet been shipped.
Volodymyr Zelensky and his military commanders have strengthened their defence of the city, whereas Russian forces are still waiting for their help.