Russian President Vladimir Putin's physical condition has come under increasing scrutiny after the Kremlin leader cut a noticeably frail figure in a series of recent public appearances. Concerns were first raised earlier this month when he was seen slurring his words during a major address at the Kremlin, following what some have described as a 'mini-stroke'.
A former speechwriter has claimed that the 73-year-old suffered a stroke in 2022. 'Basically, the first time I noticed these [stroke-like] symptoms in Putin was in 2022, a few months after the war began,' the former speechwriter told Anyway News, a Ukrainian media project. He noted that Putin began experiencing tremors, with his hand and leg shaking.
The latest appearance saw a visibly weakened Putin declaring, 'It is a strategic partnership that serves as an essential stabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific amidst geopolitical turbulence, contributing to the formation of a balanced security architecture and equitable mutually beneficial cooperation.' The comments have added to speculation about his health.
