Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Danya Bazaraa

Vladimir Putin may have Parkinson's and be using steroids, ex-MI6 boss says

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have Parkinson's disease and his behaviour may be compromised by illness, a former head of MI6 has said.

Sir Richard Dearlove said speculation suggests the president could have Parkinson's which could cause symptoms such as 'loss of restrain' - which is even more worrying given his position.

Speaking to GB News, Sir Dearlove said: "What’s also worrying is the speculation, and it is speculation, that maybe Putin’s behaviour, maybe his rationality is prejudiced or compromised by illness.

"The best explanation, that we don’t know whether it’s correct or not, is that he may have Parkinson’s.

"That certainly I’ve heard from several neurologists who say that loss of restrain, psychosis, are very common Parkinson’s symptoms."

And he also may be on steroids, Sir Dearlove went on to say.

Follow all today's latest updates on the conflict with our live blog

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)

He added: "And then there’s visual evidence he may be on steroids because of the way his appearance has changed.

"I think it's very worrying. Let's suppose that’s the case - we don’t know - someone in that position who seems so dominant, has his finger on the nuclear button, yes it’s very worrying."

Vladimir Putin has previously been accused of taking steroids that make users more aggressive.

Want all the latest news and analysis from Ukraine? Sign up to our World News Bulletin here

Ex-MI6 boss Sir Richard Dearlove (tiktok.com/@gbnews)

Former foreign secretary Lord David Owen said he suspects steroid use due to changes in the shape of Putin's face, which could be caused by muscle-boosting drugs.

Lord Owen told Times Radio: "Look at his face, see how that has changed - he now has an oval face.

"People who said, oh, it's plastic surgery or Botox, I don't believe that at all.

Vladimir Putin has previously been accused of taking steroids (Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

"He's on either anabolic steroids as a bodybuilder - and he's very proud of his muscles and strips to the waist and everything like that - or he's on corticosteroids.

"If you're on these drugs, this gives you this face.

"It reduces your immunity and makes you more vulnerable to Covid.

"This man has been in complete isolation, quite extraordinary, won't see anybody, stays miles away, tremendous pressures.

"Which indicates he's on a steroid and probably, maybe, a combination of both."

Lord Owen said the anabolic steroids can increase a person's aggression.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.