Kremlin rejects claims of Putin’s illness and body double use, affirms his good health

The Kremlin, on Tuesday, firmly denied allegations of President Vladimir Putin’s supposed illness and the use of a body double for him, labeling these claims as “baseless” and confirming his good health.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, responded with amusement when asked about persistent rumors of Putin employing body doubles during public appearances, and he explicitly denied their existence.

He characterized these speculations as “unfounded misinformation hoaxes” that continue to circulate in certain media outlets.

Putin, known for his strong image and proficiency in martial arts, celebrated his 71st birthday on October 7. Despite his age, he maintains a busy schedule of meetings and public appearances, many of which are televised. His recent activities included a visit to China and stops in two Russian cities on his return journey.

Although Putin has consistently refuted the use of body doubles, he did acknowledge in a 2020 interview that he had been offered this option in the past due to security concerns. Despite official denials, such claims persist in media circles, fueling ongoing speculation and discussion.

The Kremlin’s response to these rumors underscores the intense interest and scrutiny surrounding Russia’s long-standing leader. Putin’s image and activities are frequently subject to both domestic and international attention, often giving rise to various speculations and theories.

Nevertheless, the Kremlin remains unwavering in its rejection of such conjecture and maintains that Putin is in good health and firmly in control of his duties as Russia’s president.