Mumbai, May 25: During a recent visit to Minsk, Russia President Vladimir Putin reportedly showed signs of physical frailty, sparking renewed speculation about his health. In meetings with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin appeared "off-colour" and "tired". The discussions, which covered the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and domestic nuclear drills, were overshadowed by Putin's apparent need for support, as he was seen gripping a table and looking unsteady.
According to a report published by the Daily Mail, Putin “looked off-colour” during the conference with Lukashenko. This is not the first instance of concern for Putin's well-being. In December 2023, a series of cancellations, including a presidential trip to Pskov and a visit to a major tank plant, raised eyebrows, especially as the Kremlin continued to assert his robust health. The clear weather during the supposed "unfavourable flying conditions" that led to the Pskov trip's cancellation has fueled further speculation. Vladimir Putin Health Update: Rumours About Russia President's Use of Body Doubles and Ill-Health Were Started by Himself, Claims Ex-MP Ilya Ponomarev.
On the diplomatic front, Putin challenged the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, casting doubt on his authority to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine. Despite this, Putin reaffirmed Russia's openness to dialogue. Vladimir Putin Health Update: Russia President Uses Body Doubles, Keeps a Quarantine Room for Staff, Says Report.
The Minsk conference is part of Putin's broader diplomatic agenda following his fifth-term inauguration on May 7. With visits to China and an upcoming trip to Uzbekistan, Putin actively engages in international relations. Moreover, the strengthening ties between Russia and Belarus hint at the potential formation of a "union state."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 25, 2024 07:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).