Sunday 22 May 2022 06:16 PM Putin's TV appearances were 'staged' last week to mask his absence from duties trends now
Public appearances by Vladimir Putin were 'staged' last week to mask an absence from duties, raising new speculation about his health, an opposition source claimed.
Old footage was used in video appearances for several meetings, it was alleged.
Trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev - a former FSB chief - is now in virtual control of the Kremlin, and is the recipient of top level briefings that would normally go direct to Putin, claimed General SVR Telegram channel.
The same outlet has previously asserted that Putin has been ordered by doctors to undergo surgery related to a cancer condition, and had predicted his temporary disappearance despite the war in Ukraine.
Public appearances by Vladimir Putin were 'staged' last week to mask an absence from duties, raising new speculation about his health, claims an opposition source
In its latest post, the channel - which claims insider Kremlin information - said key figures believe Putin to be terminally ill which has altered the dynamic in Russia
In its latest post, the channel - which claims insider Kremlin information - said key figures believe Putin to be terminally ill which has altered the dynamic in Russia.
His absence 'since Tuesday' cannot be verified but the channel said his staff 'show pre-recorded videos of his meetings'.
Face to face meetings with Rostech head Sergei Chemezovand Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev were said to have taken place on Wednesday and Thursday but these were said to have taken place earlier and been saved to give the impression Putin was active.
It was unclear if a virtual security council appearance by Putin on Friday was also seen as 'staged'.
In this, Putin claimed the West was seeking to hack key Russian government websites.
Russian president Vladimir Putin pictured during meeting with CEO of Rostec State Corporation Sergei Chemezov May 18
The post did not make clear if his alleged absence was for surgery or another purpose.
Putin kept a low profile during the weekend when Russian forces increased their attacks on Ukraine.
Only Patrushev - secretary of the security council and a hardline pro-war Putin ally - is currently maintaining official communications with the president, said the channel.
'Let's see how long this lasts, but the situation is getting tense,' said General SVR.
Trusted aide Nikolai Patrushev (pictured) - a former FSB chief - is now in virtual control of the Kremlin, and is the recipient of top level briefings that would normally go direct to Putin, claimed General SVR Telegram channel
'The fact is that the elites are not ready to perceive Patrushev as a person who guarantees the current status quo.
'Everyone is well aware that if Vladimir Putin retires suddenly or gradually, then the situation will change radically.'
Putin 'is sick and has diseases that are incurable, such as oncology, which is at a stage that, today, cannot be cured, Parkinson's disease and a schizoaffective disorder.'
The Russian leader 'is certainly receiving the most advanced, most innovative treatment, and he has the ability to prolong his life, there is no doubt about it'.
But it was
