Tuesday 17 May 2022 12:25 PM New footage of Putin bizarrely twisting his foot adds to rumours about ... trends now
New footage of Vladimir Putin bizarrely twisting his foot and seemingly struggling with jerky leg movements has further stoked rumours the Russian President may be experiencing a sharp decline in health.
The clip, taken yesterday as Putin met with his counterpart from Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, showed the Russian leader's left foot repeatedly raising and lowering as his knee collapsed inward.
Putin later adjusted his position in the chair and settled his foot firmly on the ground as he spoke with Rahmon about the development of relations between Russia and Tajikistan, but his leg appeared to go on twitching.
The strange movements caught the eye of the Tajik leader, who appeared somewhat unsettled as he looked down and watched Putin's foot erratically flexing.
There has been much speculation on the state of the Russian President's health in recent weeks with health experts, politicians and even exiled Russian businessmen claiming he is likely battling a severe illness.
Parkinson's disease - a brain disorder which affects motor skills - is one condition frequently cited by commentators which Putin could be facing.
Restless legs syndrome - an uncontrollable urge to move ones lower limbs and feet - is a symptom often exhibited by Parkinson's sufferers.
The clip, taken yesterday as Putin met with his counterpart from Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, showed the Russian leader's left foot repeatedly raising and lowering as his knee collapsed inward
Putin later adjusted his position in the chair and settled his foot firmly on the ground as he spoke with Rahmon about the development of relations between Russia and Tajikistan, but his leg appeared to go on twitching
Vladimir Putin (centre) watched part of the Victory Day parade in Moscow with a blanket draped over his lap, while geriatric war veterans sat around him uncovered
The clip from yesterday's meeting between Putin and the Tajik president is the latest in a stream of videos and images in which the Russian leader appears uncomfortable and frail.
At Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, the 69-year-old delivered a speech in which he projected an image of Russian strength and military might despite the faltering war in Ukraine.
But at several points - including as he left a speaking podium and went to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider to lay a wreath - Putin appeared to be walking with a heavy step, as if trying to disguise a limp.
During the parade itself, he was seen sitting with a heavy blanket across his knees despite geriatric war veterans being sat around him with their laps uncovered.
In late April, Putin was filmed speaking with defence minister Sergei Shoigu at the Kremlin but appeared bloated and uncomfortable as he gripped the table throughout the entire meeting.
Putin's uncharacteristically puffy face and neck sparked claims he is undergoing steroid treatment, whilst reports have suggested Putin is 'constantly' accompanied by a doctor specialising in thyroid cancer.
Surgeon Yevgeny Selivanov, of Moscow's Central Clinical Hospital, has flown to the Black Sea resort Sochi - one of Putin's preferred residences - dozens of
