Ukrainian intelligence claims the Putin seen so far is a duplicate, not the real Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin's health is again in the spotlight. Allegations that Putin's condition continues to deteriorate both physically and mentally continue to be echoed by Ukraine.
The head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Major General Kyrylo Budanov recently broke the news that Putin had used a 'body double'. The claim was made based on his observations of Putin's appearance, which has changed from time to time.
He was suspicious of Putin's appearance. In an interview with Ukrainian TV Groshi, Budanov said Putin's appearance habits, ear shape and even height have changed, indicating that it is not the real Putin.
"They (Putin's double body) have different habits, different mannerisms, different gait, sometimes even different heights, if you look closely," Budanov said, as quoted by the Daily Mail, Thursday (4 /8/2022).
Budanov confirmed his suspicions by saying that Putin looked different when he attended a meeting in Tehran last month. He suspected that at that time Putin was using his body double, because his appearance was very different and it was in the spotlight of many people.
Putin was very awkward as he descended the steps of his presidential plane in Tehran. His body movements are also different, seem faster and seem more alert. The way he greets the people who greet him is also different.
"I'm just going to give you a hint," said Budanov. "Please watch as Putin exits the plane. Is that Putin?"
Also in one video, while waiting for Erdogan's belated arrival, Putin looks uncomfortable. He wiggled his legs and made strange facial movements, confirming that this was not Putin's habit.
The same assumption came from Ukrainian Major General Vadym Skibitsky. In an interview with The Telegraph, Skibitsky said Putin had sent people in his inner circle into a panic because of his deteriorating health.
"He was not physically or mentally fit," he said.
"He uses a lot of duplicates, and sometimes it's hard to detect whether it's the real Putin or someone who replaced him," he added.
Putin's health has been a hot topic since he launched his invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Many say Putin has Parkinson's disease, others claim he has advanced cancer.
Some pointed to videos showing Putin visibly shaking or tense, unable to even use his right hand. In a number of trips Putin is also always accompanied by doctors, including thyroid cancer surgeons.