World3 min(s) read
Kremlin accidentally posts and deletes Putin footage that nobody was supposed to see
The Russian government appears to have posted and then quickly deleted a video showing President Vladimir Putin coughing and fighting for breath as rumors about his health continue.
The Kremlin quickly deleted the footage of Putin struggling through a speech.
Rumors about Vladimir Putin’s health have been around a while
Vladimir Putin has been somewhat in the background of late, what with Donald Trump and events in Iran dominating the headlines.
However, he’s still very much at the heart of everyone’s lingering WW3 fears and the general existential dread that has the world gripped.
Despite his clear interest in Trump, it might be his own existence that is closest to the Russian president’s mind at the moment, if one recent appearance is to be believed.
The 73-year-old is no spring chicken, but he has also been the subject of much speculation in recent years surrounding his health.
It’s the same as Donald Trump, who has had his own health concerns to deal with.
However, it’s the Russian Premier that we’re concerned with here.
Video footage raises concerns for Putin’s health
In a recently released video, Putin could be seen delivering a speech before suffering from a bout of coughing and spluttering while on stage.
He could be heard struggling for breath and attempting to clear his throat, as well as gesturing to someone off screen for assistance.
According to the Moscow Times, he said: “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 speech, given to mark International Women’s Day, was then posted on official accounts, but was then quickly deleted just minutes later.
Then, another version was shared that did not include the coughing fit, which was edited out.
The Kremlin later reportedly said that the clip had originally been uploaded by accident.
Is Putin really ill?
Despite the fact that he has always made efforts to show that he is in fine physical condition, rumors have crept in over the past few years regarding his health.
There has been speculation - although it is just that - that he has had several strokes, reports that he has been diagnosed with cancer, and even an unconfirmed report that he has Parkinson’s disease.
Of course, none of this has ever been confirmed, and the Russian government isn’t likely to make any official comment on his well-being.