This Time Foot Cramps? Putin Surrounded by Parkinson's Disease Suspicions

Multiple Leg Cramps Spotted During Kazakhstan President Meeting
Putin's Health Rumors Persist Amid Parkinson's and Pancreatic Cancer Battles

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen experiencing foot cramps during a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This has sparked speculation that he may be suffering from Parkinson's disease amid rumors about his health.

British media outlet The Sun reported on the 28th (local time) that during the summit held in Moscow, Russia, President Putin appeared to have several foot spasms, which are considered one of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

President Putin was captured repeatedly tapping his foot and shaking his leg while conversing with President Tokayev. There was also footage of him clutching his right arm with his left hand. Rumors that President Putin suffers from Parkinson's disease and pancreatic cancer are not new. His health concerns have been raised multiple times in the past.

The Sun also reported on the 1st that "President Putin was diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's disease and is currently battling it," citing sources within the Russian government. It added, "He is using every possible method to conceal this fact." Furthermore, "He regularly receives large doses of steroids and painkillers to prevent the spread of diagnosed pancreatic cancer. As a result, he experiences significant pain, facial swelling, and side effects such as memory loss."

The Sun reported that the summit was held in a somewhat awkward atmosphere because Tokayev expressed disapproval of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It also noted that Tokayev sat down before Putin during the signing and did not communicate with him. According to The Sun, Putin appeared short of breath, stammered, and sometimes looked exhausted in public appearances. Additionally, when Putin appeared at Moscow's Red Square in September to celebrate the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, he reportedly showed clear signs of distress.