Fresh fears that Vladimir Putin has been replaced by a body double have been sparked after the Russian leader was seen tripping up over his words and stuttering during a recent media appearance.
For around two years, rumours have circulated that the aging Russian leader actually died at his Valdai Palace and that his body is being kept in a freezer. The initial news broke in late October 2023, alleging that the then-71-year-old succumbed to a myriad of health issues following a fatal heart attack.
The source of these sensational claims, a Telegram channel called General SVR that is believed to be led by a Kremlin insider, reported that a "coup" was underway to replace him. While the Kremlin was forced to deny the rumours within 48 hours – with spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling state media RIA Novosti that the report was an “absurd information canard” – the Telegram channel has stubbornly continued to make these claims two years later.
Struggling to speak
During a recent media address, "Putin" struggled to get his words out while he explained why Russia is rethinking negotiations with Ukraine. The development comes after Moscow was hit in Ukraine's largest drone attack yet on the Russian capital.
While speaking to reporters, "Putin" looked on edge as he stuttered and often lost his train of thought as he discussed the recent strikes – a world away from the possible-real Putin's normally stoic attitude.
During the media appearance, Putin stated: "What has happened lately is also well known to everyone. On the night of Sept. 19 to 20, that is, on the main voting day, an attempt was made at a massive strike on Moscow."
Drone attack details
The Russian Ministry of Defense said it shot down more than 1,900 drones, eight guided aerial bombs, eight cruise missiles, and four rockets during the attack. Following the attack, the Ukrainian General Staff stated the main target was the Moscow Oil Refinery, which was forced to stop its output after the strikes.
Zelensky issued a statement on Telegram after the attacks. The Ukraine first minister said: "Our long-range responses had a very significant impact in the Moscow region last night."
He stated the facilities targeted were producing "billions of dollars that sustain the war machine." Following the attack, "Putin" has stated consequences will hit Ukraine. Speaking to reporters, Putin said: "They are the ones who started it. Everywhere, on every front. Are these playthings, child's play?"
Retaliatory strikes
He added: "They should therefore be made to feel Russia's retaliatory strikes and understand that no provocative actions, no stirring up the situation to secure a result, will work. They're only making things worse for themselves." Despite the damages to the infrastructure, "Putin" stated that all of Ukraine's proposals remained "on the table."
Putin stated: "They are all on the table. It's all possible." He added: "But after everything they have done, we will still have to think carefully about what we need to do in response."
He added: "Judging by everything, the retaliatory actions of the Russian armed forces turned out to be so sensitive and destructive for the enemy that now they are once again actively raising the issue of negotiations on several fronts." The Russian leader also questioned why Ukraine has repeatedly targeted the warehouses of Ozon and Wildberries.
The online retailer, which props up around 8.5 percent of Russia’s GDP in goods and services, has been nicknamed the "Amazon of Russia". Putin stated: "Strikes on Wildberries or Ozon warehouses—what is that? What's the point? After that, we started responding to each instance."
