Kremlin Removes Footage of Putin's Coughing Episode, Labels It a Weekend Error
A video capturing Russian President Vladimir Putin in the midst of a noticeable coughing fit has been deleted by the Kremlin after being briefly posted online. The footage, which showed the 73-year-old leader clearing his throat and coughing repeatedly during a recording for International Women's Day, was reportedly uploaded "by mistake" to the Kremlin's Telegram channel before being swiftly replaced with an edited version that omitted the incident.
Details of the Deleted Video and Kremlin Response
In the now-removed outtake, Putin could be seen gesturing towards his neck and stating, according to the Moscow Times, "You know, let me say that again, because... my throat's a bit scratchy. Yes, a bit scratchy. I almost started coughing. I've been talking a lot today." The Times reported that the video was deleted without explanation, and a separate clip from the presidential press service was then uploaded without the coughing fit.
Kremlin press pool journalist Alexander Yushanev downplayed the situation, calling it a "weekend mistake" that could happen to anyone. He emphasized that no extraordinary investigation was being conducted by the Presidential Administration regarding the unedited greeting. "Everywhere, so far, real people are working, not AI," Yushanev remarked, questioning whether anyone seriously believed all video materials are recorded in one attempt or that a person cannot clear their throat after a nearly three-minute speech.
Historical Context and Health Speculation
The incident occurred as Putin prepared to deliver a speech for International Women's Day, a historic date in Russia linked to the 1917 Revolution. In his address, he praised women, saying, "A generous, compassionate and truly wise feminine soul makes the world a better and kinder place, and a mother's love remains in every person's heart for life."
However, this episode has reignited longstanding concerns about Putin's health. Over the years, there have been numerous unverified claims suggesting he may suffer from conditions such as Parkinson's disease, cancer, cardiac arrest, or neurological decline. Ukrainian journalist Denys Kazansky speculated to The Telegraph that the Kremlin might have "leaked it on purpose because everyone is fed up with this ailing, senile old man."
Adding to the speculation, Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, stated in 2024 that he believed Putin had Parkinson's disease, based on contacts in Eastern Europe who thought "there is something fundamentally wrong with him medically," though he admitted he was not a clinician. Putin has long portrayed himself as a symbol of masculine health and vitality, making such incidents particularly notable in the public eye.
