Following numerous spurious accusations that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ill, Russia’s foreign minister rejected the claims. Mr. Putin, who turns 70 this year, has been the subject of growing unverified media speculation that he may be sick. He might potentially have cancer. In an interview with French TV, Lavrov said the Russian leader appears in public every day, and no sane person would see any signs of an ailment. The interview took place as Russia advances in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
“President Vladimir Putin makes public appearances on a daily basis. You can see him on TV screens, and read and listen to his speeches. I don’t think that a sane person can suspect any signs of an illness or ailment in this man. I’ll leave it on the conscience of those who disseminate such rumors despite daily opportunities for everyone to see how he and others look like,” said Sergei Lavrov.
No evidence to prove Vladimir Putin is sick
After obtaining a secret tape by an oligarch connected to the Kremlin, the New Lines Magazine reportedly alleged that Putin has blood cancer. In the recording, the oligarch expresses profound dissatisfaction with the condition of the economic system in Moscow. He seems to talk on account of other oligarchs when he said, “We all hope” Putin dies.
Though there is no evidence to prove Putin’s illness, Russian media reports have also claimed that he has been ailing for a long time. There have been similar claims by ex-spies and a Ukrainian official. In an interview with Sky News in May, former MI6 Russian spy Christopher Steele suggested that Vladimir Putin might be unwell.
“Certainly, from what we’re hearing from sources in Russia and elsewhere, is that Putin is, in fact, quite seriously ill. It’s not clear exactly what this illness is – whether it’s incurable or terminal, or whatever. But certainly, I think it’s part of the equation,” he said.