Vladimir Putin 's latest public appearance has reignited speculation that he could be suffering from undisclosed health issues.
The Russian leader, 69, was seen moving awkwardly as he watched a string of military exercises alongside out-of-favour defence minister Sergei Shoigu in the country's Far East on Tuesday (September 7).
One clip from the scene showed him walking with a slight 'limp' across a command post, with a step down before a row of chairs appearing to give him a moment's pause.
It follows months of public discussion about the President's alleged health problems since his invasion of Ukraine, with some sources in Russia reporting that he has Parkinson's disease and cancer.
During a speech to young people last week, Putin seemed unable to keep his feet from twitching as he slouched towards the right side of his chair and circled his left foot while seated.
At several state appearances this year, he has also appeared bloated and puffy-faced, which is a common side effect of steroid treatments.
Not all experts are convinced, however, with some of his biggest critics even stating there is not enough solid proof that he is ill.
In July, CIA Director William Burns said there was no evidence to support the theories, and claimed Putin actually seemed to be "too healthy".
Back in 2015, a group of researchers writing in the British Medical Journal found that some of Putin's unusual walking style could be down to his training as a spy.
After analysing videos showing the President and other high-ranking Russian officials with connections to the KGB, the team discovered an entry from an old agency training manual which closely resembles his characteristic 'stiff' movements.
The document read: “Moving forward should be done with one side, usually the left, turned somewhat in the direction of movement.”
Researchers described this mannerism, where one arm remains completely straight and close to the body while the other moves, as a "gunslinger's gait".
