Video of Vladimir Putin has been fuelling speculation about his health after eagle-eyed observers noticed a scar on his neck.
The clip began circulating online before reports emerged claiming the Russian leader had suffered a heart attack and had to receive intensive care.
The footage shows Putin speaking at an unspecified public event, a scar clearly marking his neck – with some analysts suggesting it might be the result of “resuscitation” procedures.
A Telegram channel believed to belong to a former Kremlin official claimed Putin’s health had sparked huge “alarm” across Moscow.
The insider alleged that the Russian leader was found “lying on the floor, rolling his eyes” after suffering a suspected heart episode.
They went on to claim Putin was then transferred to a special medical facility to undergo intensive care.
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The Telegram channel General SVR wrote: “Putin convulsively arched while lying on the floor, rolling his eyes. The doctors, who were on duty at the residence in one of the adjacent rooms, were immediately called.
“Doctors performed resuscitation, having previously determined that the president was in cardiac arrest. Help was provided on time, the heart was started, and Putin regained consciousness.”
While speculation about Putin’s health has been rife in recent months, the Daily Express could not independently verify the claims.
The Russian leader is no stranger to interest in his state, and his condition has only attracted more conjecture since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Putin was repeatedly spotted seemingly struggling to keep his arms and legs from shaking when delivering speeches.
Earlier this year, leaked documents suggested Ukraine has also been keeping a close eye on his health – with two unnamed officials suggesting Putin’s internal opponents would seek to remove him after he underwent an alleged round of chemotherapy.
Prior to the emergence of reports of a heart attack, an advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine shared messages picked up on Telegram fuelling doubts about Putin’s health state.
Anton Gerashenko shared a screenshot from Telegram of another supporter of Putin going by the name Pozdnyakov.
In the translation of the message, the moderator of the channel shared a photo of Putin and wrote: “God, don’t you leave us. Pray to God you are alive and healthy.”
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