Is Vladimir Putin ill?

VLADIMIR PUTIN was described as “ashen and bloated” in pictures released by the Kremlin. The Russian President, normally cutting a rugged and manly figure, looked pale and unfit as his forces pounded Ukraine’s cities. APThe Kremlin issued pictures of Vladimir Putin in which he appeared ‘ashen and bloated’[/caption] Is Vladimir Putin ill? On March 1, 2022, the Kremlin released photos of Putin meeting in Moscow with St Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov. Social media users immediately picked up on the despot’s pale appearance with one Twitter user calling him “ashen and bloated”. Another tweeted: “A once vigorous/dynamic leader is but a pale shadow, clinging to a fading charisma. “At one time he could cloak and disguise his intentions, not so much now – just another tragic lesson from history.” Even before the meeting, Russia expert Fiona Hill had speculated that he may not be well. She told Politico: “Putin’s not looking so great, he’s been rather puffy-faced.” MORE ON PUTIN NUCLEAR PANIC Live updates as Russia shells Europe's BIGGEST nuke plant risking disaster VLAD THE PALER Vladimir Putin's health questioned after 'ashen' appearance TORN APART Brother of Polina dies days after family was gunned down by Russian troops 'NUCLEAR TERROR' Ukraine says Russia wants 'another Chernobyl' after nuke plant attack 'NUKE TERROR' Russians seize nuke plant amid fears of disaster '10x bigger than Chernobyl' THE SUN SAYS It is heartbreaking to feel so powerless against nuclear-armed tyrant Putin Hill added that it is known that the 69-year-old has back issues but it could be “something worse”. She said: “It could be that he’s taking high doses of steroids, or there may be something else.” The image was released before Russia was slammed for bombing the Babyn Yar holocaust memorial in Kyiv. Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the very latest updates APCommentators and Twitter claimed that Vladimir Putin looked ill in his meeting with St Petersburg’s governor Alexander Beglov on March 1, 2022[/caption] What health problems is Vladimir Putin alleged to have had? Putin is as tight-lipped about his health as he is about his whereabouts. The world’s press kept a close eye on Putin during the Covid-19 pandemic, as he met more than once with people who would go on to test positive for the virus. And he was forced to self-isolate in September 2021, after several people close to him went down with the virus. There has been much speculation about his health over the years, with researchers in 2015 claiming they identified signs in Putin’s gait which could point to Parkinson’s disease. The team spotted how the Russian had a tendency to keep one arm pinned to his side. It has also been claimed the President had been treated for cancer. Political analyst Valery Solovei claimed Putin underwent surgery in February 2020 and another Russian source went on to claim it was an abdominal cancer operation. Solovei also went on to suggest that Putin is suffering from symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. What has the Kremlin said? It is rare for the Kremlin to comment on Putin’s health, but it did issue a firm denial over the Parkinson’s disease claims. It called the rumours “absolute nonsense.” The claims of a battle with cancer by the Russian President have not been confirmed or denied. The Kremlin has not commented on the 2022 speculation that Putin is ill. All you need to know about Russia's invasion of Ukraine Everything you need to know about Russia's invasion of Ukraine... Why is Russia invading Ukraine? Will the UK go to war? How can I join the Ukraine foreign legion? What can I do to help Ukraine? Who is Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy? How much gas does the UK get from Russia? Is Russia a part of Nato? Does Russia have nuclear weapons? Why is Ukraine not in Nato? How big is the Russian army? What is Article 5 of the Nato treaty? What is the Minsk agreement? Which countries were in the Soviet Union?