Putin Appearing Somewhat Uncomfortable, Hiding Trembling Hands... Health Concerns Raised Again

Meeting with Shoigu, Russian Defense Minister

On the 21st (local time), Russian President Putin appeared uncomfortable during a meeting with the Russian Minister of Defense. / Photo by Twitter

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] Speculation about health issues has resurfaced as Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared somewhat uncomfortable during a recently released meeting with the Defense Minister.

According to the British daily The Telegraph and others on the 21st (local time), President Putin was shown on TV encouraging Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, claiming success in capturing the strategic southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

During the meeting, President Putin sat with a somewhat stiff expression, hunched over, tightly gripping the corner of the table in front of him with his right hand. He did not let go of the table edge throughout the meeting. His feet were continuously shaking underneath.

The video spread on social media, reigniting speculation about President Putin's health. He is approaching his 70th birthday this October.

Louise Mensch, a British author and former Conservative Party MP, wrote, "I previously wrote that Putin suffers from Parkinson's disease, and watching the video, you can see him holding the table to hide his trembling hand. But he seems unable to stop shaking his feet."

Anders ?slund, a Swedish economist who has served as an economic advisor to both the Russian and Ukrainian governments, analyzed, "Both individuals in the video look depressed and unhealthy."

He added, "Shoigu's pronunciation while reporting to President Putin is slurred. There is a possibility of heart disease. His sitting posture is strange, and his movements are not good."

Previously, President Putin was spotted with noticeably swollen face and neck, raising health concerns. The Russian investigative media outlet Proekt also reported that an oncologist regularly visited President Putin from 2016 to 2020.