Putin health: Is Vladimir Putin really sick? Inside rumours of ‘sickly’ Russian premier

Ukraine: Boris Johnson rules out deal with Putin

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not panned out well for the invading country so far, with only minimal goals accomplished since February 24. As the conflict has worn on, rumours have spread about its primary instigator, Vladimir Putin, who is reportedly fighting growing resistance at home. Recent military briefings have not helped his case, with western agencies convinced the Russian premier is suffering from several diseases.

Is Vladimir Putin really sick?

Putin’s image has served as an integral part of his premiership over the last two decades, with a concerted effort made to introduce him as “strong”, mirroring his hopes for Russia.

Recent reports from western intelligence agencies have undercut this carefully cultivated image by suggesting he is unwell or weakened, diminishing his position.

Sources have suggested he is suffering from “advanced cancer”, Parkinson’s disease, and even several illnesses at once.

Some people may question whether the rumours are true or an attempt to undermine Putin when he requires authority to command his country.

The latest support behind rumours of Putin’s ill health emerged today, as the Russian President postponed an annual media event.

He delivered a set-piece Q&A to Russians in the “Direct Line to Vladimir Putin” event every year since 2001 and in June since 2017.

But he has pulled out this year, and his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the date for his 2022 appearance is “unknown”, and not in June, with spectators convinced illness may be to blame.

Videos show erratic behaviour, with the President clinging to tables during official meetings and walking unusually.

There is no concrete conclusion that his recent appearance is the result of illness, however.

Regardless of whether they are true, these rumours may pave the way for Putin’s eventual downfall.

Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence officer, said his weakened image could buoy his rivals.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s The World at One on Wednesday, Mr Steele said the Russian premier’s days in office were numbered.

He said he didn’t see Putin remaining in power “for more than three to six months from now”.

His conclusion came from a combination of “signs his health is failing” and the potential reaction from leading Russians.

Mr Steele said information from both US and British forces suggests he could become “incapacitated over that sort of period of time”.

He added Russia is a “strongman regime” built on “fear of the leader”.

If the leader is “medically incapacitated”, he added, then “there will be a move against him”.

Whether Putin’s days running thin is good for the west or not remains to be seen, as they could leave him desperate and irrational in the months to come.

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