New Delhi: A Telegram channel run by a former Kremlin insider has claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had a heart attack in his bedroom on Sunday evening and was resurrected by doctors. The channel, called General SVR, said that Putin’s security officers heard a loud noise and found him lying on the floor next to an overturned table with food and drinks. The channel also alleged that Putin’s recent public appearances have been done by a body double.
The channel, which has not been verified, said that Putin was taken to a special intensive care facility within his residence, where he regained consciousness after medical intervention. “Help was provided on time, the heart was started and Putin regained consciousness,” the channel reportedly said. The channel also claimed that some people close to Putin contacted each other by phone and agreed to hold consultations on Monday regarding possible actions if the president dies in the coming days.
The Kremlin has not confirmed or denied the claims of the Telegram channel, but has repeatedly dismissed reports of Putin’s ill health as “nothing but fakes”. Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, said on Sunday that Putin appears in public every day and that there is no evidence of any illness or poor health. Lavrov also joked that Putin looked “too healthy” for someone who is supposedly dying.
Putin, who turns 72 this year, has been the subject of rumors and speculations about his health. Some reports have suggested that he may suffer from cancer, Parkinson’s disease, or other serious conditions. However, none of these reports have been confirmed by reliable sources or medical experts. Putin has also shown no signs of weakness or impairment in his public speeches and actions.
Putin is currently leading Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has escalated since last year. Russia has amassed tens of thousands of troops and military equipment near the border with Ukraine and has launched airstrikes and missile attacks on Ukrainian targets. The international community has condemned Russia’s aggression and imposed sanctions on Moscow. Putin has vowed to defend Russia’s interests and security in the region and has accused the West of provoking the conflict.
