Putin’s Health Is ‘Sharply Deteriorating,’ Kremlin Insider Telegram Channel Claims

SVR General, an anonymous Telegram channel claiming to be operated by a Kremlin insider, has claimed that Vladimir Putin’s condition is “sharply deteriorating” to the point that it will be affecting his upcoming public appearances.

This channel has long been stoking rumors of the Russian President’s poor health, which the Kremlin has continuously denied. Their post read that, “soon the President will not be able to personally hold meetings and participate in large events.” They also repeated accusations that Putin has hired body doubles for some public appearances.

SVR General also said that the Russian Government “lays the blame for both the unsuccessful start and, in general, the course of the military operation, and the huge losses of manpower and weapons, precisely on President Vladimir Putin.”

This is an even more outlandish claim than the health accusations, and there would likely be more obvious signs of discontent from Russia from other sources than just here if that were true.

When questioned about the rumors of Putin’s illnesses last month, CIA Director Bill Burns joked that the Russian President is “entirely too healthy” according to U.S. intelligence.