Rumours of Vladimir Putin’s declining health have been flooding headlines over recent months, and his appearance today has added fuel to the fire.
The Russian President attended and spoke during a military parade today celebrating ‘Victory Day’in Moscow, and footage circulating online suggests he is in fact in poor health.
Putin made an 11-minute speech during which he said Russia would continue to fight the Nazis in Ukraine, and claimed that the West is planning to invade Crimea.
His speech surprised many as predictions indicated he would either declare a win over Kyiv or order the full force of the Russian military into Ukraine.
Despite this, spectators weren’t focusing on his words but rather his feeble stature, ‘puffy face’ and ‘limp arm’ as he returned to his dedicated seat, with a blanket waiting for him.
For months, people have been claiming the Russian leader’s health is deteriorating, with recent reports saying the 74-year-old is suffering from Parkinson's and is due to undergo cancer treatment in the coming months.
State-controlled cameras recording today’s event showed footage of Putin with a blanket draped over his legs to which one Journalist reporting on location, John Sweeney, tweeted: "Vladimir Putin - a blanket on his knees, his cheeks full, a hamster stuffed with steroids - cuts a weak and enfeebled figure as Russian Army rolls past the Kremlin.
"No declaration of big war; no call-up; no General Gerasimov. Listen: you can hear the knives being sharpened."
Another person took to Twitter and wrote: “I watched some of the parade and I watched Putin carefully. Putin didn’t look strong, he didn’t look confident, and he didn’t look happy.
“He looked old, tired, and fat/puffy. He was sitting for a while and had a blanket on his lap. Not a good look.
"When Putin walked he swung his left arm vigorously while his right arm hung limp at his side most of the time.”
A third said: "Walking from the parade to the tomb, Putin barely moved his right arm, and walked with a limp, favoring his right leg.
“He is surrounded by bodyguards and appears to be wearing body armor under his overcoat."
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