Kremlin Removes Video Capturing Putin's Coughing Episode
A video showing Russian President Vladimir Putin experiencing a noticeable coughing fit during the recording of an International Women's Day address was posted and subsequently deleted by the Kremlin's official Telegram channel. The incident has ignited fresh discussions about the 73-year-old leader's health and the Kremlin's media management strategies.
Deleted Footage Shows Presidential Discomfort
In the now-removed outtake, Putin was seen clearing his throat repeatedly and gesturing toward his neck before 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 footage was reportedly uploaded "by mistake" and later replaced with an edited version that omitted the coughing episode.
Following the deletion, a separate video from the presidential press service was published without the audible coughs. In his final International Women's Day speech, Putin praised feminine virtues, 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."
Kremlin Dismisses Incident as Routine Error
Kremlin press pool journalist Alexander Yushanev downplayed the event, 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 perfectly in one attempt.
Renewed Speculation Over Putin's Health
This incident has revived longstanding and unverified claims about Putin's medical condition, including past allegations of Parkinson's disease, cancer, cardiac arrest, and 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."
In 2024, Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, stated he believed Putin had Parkinson's disease, based on contacts in Eastern Europe, though he admitted he was not a clinician. Putin has long cultivated an image of robust masculine health, making such visible moments of vulnerability particularly noteworthy.
The deletion of the video underscores the Kremlin's tight control over the Russian leader's public image, especially as health rumors persist. International Women's Day, a historic date in Russia linked to the 1917 Revolution, provided the backdrop for this latest episode, highlighting the intersection of political messaging and personal scrutiny.
