Putin seen looking weak and frail amid ongoing rumours of bad health

Speculation has circulated that the Russian president may be terminally ill since the launch of his full-scale war in Ukraine.

Putin seen looking weak and frail amid ongoing rumours of bad health
MINSK, BELARUS - MAY 24 (RUSSIA OUT) Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a joint press conference after Russian-Belarusian talks at the Palace of Independence, on May 24, 2024, in Minsk, Belarus. Vladimir Putin is having a two-day visit to Belarus. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)
Speculation has circulated that the Russian president may be terminally ill since the launch of his full-scale war in Ukraine (Picture: Getty)

The Russian president appeared to be feeling unwell during a recent summit held in Belarus. 

Vladimir Putin seemed frail and off-colour while meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine

The summit took place in Minsk, the Belarusian capital, on Friday. 

Putin made comments questioning the legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelensky’s position as President of Ukraine. 

He also discussed recent nuclear drills held in Russia and reaffirmed the federation’s support for continued cooperation with Belarus. 

At a press conference held after the summit, Putin looked noticeably rundown as news broke of minor successes in Ukrainian efforts to push back against Russia’s latest shock assault on the frontline in Kharkiv. 

Speculation that the Russian president may be terminally ill has circulated since the launch of his full-scale invasion, which has now raged for more than two years.

epa11366007 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko shake hands during their meeting at the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarus, 24 May 2024. Vladimir Putin said that during his visit to Minsk he plans to discuss security issues with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, as well as the participation of the Belarusian side in exercises with non-strategic nuclear weapons. EPA/VALERIY SHARIFULIN / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL MANDATORY CREDIT
Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko reaffirmed their country’s mutual strategic and political support at the summit (Picture: EPA)

Putin, now 71 years old, was sworn in for a fifth term as president earlier in March, marking 24 years since he first assumed office. 

Footage from meetings and public appearances have shown the elderly Russian premier gripping the edge of a table, seemingly for support, as well as tapping his feet erratically and appearing unsure of his feet as he walks. 

His face has also become considerably rounder and puffier over the years, though some claim the president may also have undergone plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures. 

Rumours about his physical condition were also recently further fuelled after Putin pulled out from a presidential trip to the western Russian border city of Pskov, citing ‘unfavourable flying conditions.’

Weather forecasts for the day suggested the skies were clear.

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