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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
World
Michelle Cullen

Vladimir Putin accused of 'photoshopping head onto body' in latest 'uncomfortable' speech amid ill health claims

Russian President Vladimir Putin's health status has once again been thrust into the limelight after his latest address.

The leader gave an "uncomfortable" speech in a virtual security council meeting in which he looked "bloated".

After seeing images of Putin during the meeting, one commenter said his head looked so "bloated" that it appeared to be "photoshopped onto his body".

READ MORE: Vladimir Putin's plans in turmoil as captured Russian soldier says troops 'shooting themselves dead' to escape Ukraine war horror

They said: "His face and head look so bloated, especially his cheeks and around the back of his head," reports Express.co.uk.

Vladimir Putin (Security council meeting)

"He looks photoshopped onto his body.

"It's clearly him, but what a strange look."

Another said: "Either his clothing is too tight around the neck, or he sits in an unfortunate position.

"But the layer of skin and fat over his neck looks really uncomfortable."

The comments on Putin's appearance come amid mounting speculation over the Russian leader's health, with many claiming that he is suffering from a terminal illness.

The news comes after an oligarch with close ties to the Kremlin was reportedly recorded claiming that Putin is "very ill with blood cancer".

In the recording obtained by US magazine New Lines, said to be from mid-March, the unnamed oligarch discussed Putin's health.

He was also heard saying, "We all hope" Putin dies, adding: "He absolutely ruined Russia's economy, Ukraine's economy and many other economies — ruined [them] absolutely.

"The problem is with his head.

"One crazy guy can turn the world upside down."

New Lines magazine also reported that officers in Russia's main security agency, the Federal Security Service (FSB), have been ordered not to speculate about Putin's health.

A memo was reportedly sent out ordering people to ignore speculation that the president only had months left to live.

The president is said to be under increasing pressure as his invasion of Ukraine appears to be stalling, with Russian forces taking heavy losses.

A video recording of a meeting between the Russian president and his defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, also sparked further rumours about the leader's health.

Putin was seen tightly clutching the table, not letting go for the entire duration of the 12-minute clip.

Meanwhile, Christopher Steele, a former British spy who authored a dossier on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US election, told Sky News that Putin appears to be "seriously ill".

He said: "It's not clear exactly what this illness is - whether it's incurable or terminal, or whatever.

"But certainly, I think it's part of the equation.

"Certainly, from what we're hearing from sources in Russia and elsewhere, is that Putin is, in fact, quite seriously ill."

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