KEY POINTS
- Putin was seen constantly fidgetting while talking to Tajikistan's President Rahmon
- A former British parliament member said Putin may be suffering from Parkinson's disease
- A Russian media outlet said a Kremlin insider told it that Putin would undergo cancer surgery
A video showing Russia’s President Vladimir Putin fidgeting during a meeting with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon on Monday has sparked new speculations about the Russian leader’s deteriorating health.
In the clip, Putin was seen continuously twisting his toes and heels and fidgeting his legs while talking to the Tajikistan president. The behavior had not gone unnoticed by Rahmon, who appeared to be looking at Putin’s feet as they discussed topics concerning Tajikistan’s security.
The video is the latest in a series of footage that has sparked rumors about Putin’s health condition. On April 24, the Russian leader was recorded fidgeting and biting his lips while attending an Orthodox Easter service in Moscow.
On April 21, Putin was also seen gripping the table in an attempt to stop his hands from shaking. His foot was seen constantly tapping the floor during a conversation with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Former British parliament member Louise Mensch later claimed Putin’s behavior in the meeting was proof that he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder that causes tremors and uncontrollable movements, including shaking and difficulty with balance and coordination. The condition worsens over time and is incurable.
In mid-February, Putin met with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. A video recording of the meeting showed the Russian president seemingly suffering from hand and leg tremors. He was also seen holding one hand to his chest in an attempt to stop it from shaking.
The Kremlin has yet to confirm nor deny rumors concerning Putin’s health. However, Russian media outlet General SVR in late April said a "Kremlin insider" told it that Putin would undergo cancer surgery and that former FSB chief Nikolai Patrushev would temporarily replace him as Russia’s head as he recovers from the procedure.
Russian investigative outlet The Project claimed that oncologist Evgeny Selivanov has made dozens of secret visits to Putin’s home in the Russian city of Sochi over the past four years. The outlet also added that the Russian leader has resorted to unconventional treatments, such as bathing in the blood extracted from the antlers of deers.
The International Business Times could not independently verify the authenticity of the reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is rumored to be suffering from blood cancer and Parkinson's disease Photo: Adam Berry/Getty Images
