In a surprising turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin has quashed rumors surrounding his health, which had been circulating widely after claims of his “imminent death” and a sharp decline in his well-being. These speculations were fueled by a Telegram channel, General SVR, which suggested that Putin could be seriously ill and even hinted at the use of body doubles to conceal his death from the public. However, Putin defied these claims by making a rare appearance on camera, where he discussed the possibility of facilitating peace talks between Israel and Hamas, demonstrating his active involvement in international affairs.
Addressing the media, Putin expressed openness to contributing to the peace process between Israel and Palestine, highlighting Russia’s stable business relations with Israel and longstanding friendly ties with Palestine. This unexpected statement hinted at a diplomatic role for Russia in the ongoing conflict, a departure from Putin’s usual stance of remaining relatively silent on such matters. Despite the escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, Putin refrained from condemning the attacks by the latter and had yet to send condolences to Israel, raising further questions about his intentions.
The speculation surrounding Putin’s health had intensified with the General SVR channel’s prediction of his “imminent death.” According to the channel, there were discussions within Putin’s inner circle about the possibility of continuing the Putin regime with the aid of body doubles trained by his FSO secret service. These lookalikes were intended to serve as stand-ins for Putin, hiding his demise from the public eye. However, a conflict arose among Putin’s aides regarding the control of these potential body doubles, leading to a lack of consensus and mutual trust.
Rumors about Putin’s deteriorating health had been circulating for months, especially since the onset of the Ukraine war in February 2022. During this period, Putin made only a handful of public appearances and speeches, fueling concerns about his well-being. The General SVR channel’s speculation further fueled these concerns, leading to widespread discussion and speculation in both national and international circles.
Despite these rumors, Putin’s recent appearance on camera showcased his determination to remain actively engaged in global affairs. His unexpected willingness to participate in peace talks between Israel and Hamas reflects a potential shift in his approach to international conflicts. As the world watches closely, Putin’s actions and statements continue to be scrutinized, raising questions about his true intentions and the future of Russia’s political landscape.
