Bizarre video of Vladimir Putin ‘twitching’ sends health rumours into overdrive

Bizarre footage of Vladimir Putin’s feet twitching as he delivers a speech from a podium have been cited as further evidence of his ailing health amid persistent speculation that the Russian President is suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.

Anton Geraschenko, a former adviser to the Ukrainian interior minister, has drawn attention to similar clips on a number of occasions since Russia’s invasion of his country in 2022, and did so again on X today.

The latest images show Putin standing at a lectern, with his feet appearing to move spasmodically beneath him.

Mr Geraschenko last week shared footage of the Russian leader speaking at a desk which he suggested had been doctored by superimposing his face on somebody else’s body.

His implication, supported by others social media users, is that the 72-year-old is attempting to conceal a debilitating neurological condition. Some of the commenters discussed the possibility of Parkinson's in response to the post.

At the time he offered no evidence to back up his claim - but, sharing the latest film today, he commented: “I wasn't sure about Putin's hands.

"But these legs and feet are definitely his. And the heels, too. That's clear."

Recent speculation has been fuelled by observations of Putin's physical behaviour in publicly available footage, as well as comments from numerous observers.

In some videos, he is seen gripping tables tightly, tapping his foot, or displaying a slouched posture. Footage of a bloated face and an uneven gait have also added to the rumours.

Nevertheless, such claims remain speculative and medical experts caution against diagnosing complex conditions like Parkinson’s without a thorough in-person examination.

They have noted that many of the observed behaviours could be attributed to factors unrelated to Parkinson’s or a similar disorder - for example age or medication side effects.

The Kremlin’s secrecy about Putin’s health has further fuelled the rumours, which often align with geopolitical narratives aimed at undermining confidence in his leadership.

Other reports, including leaks from supposed intelligence sources, suggest Putin might be undergoing treatment for thyroid or blood cancer.

Ukrainian intelligence has alleged that Putin may even be receiving steroids or chemotherapy, potentially explaining his puffy appearance and occasional physical stiffness​. However, again no concrete evidence supports these claims.

Other theories suggest general declines in Putin's health or mental state, with some linking this to his decision-making during the Ukraine invasion. There have been suggestions that isolation during the pandemic and reliance on a tight circle of advisers could have exacerbated physical or psychological conditions​.

Speaking in 2022, John Hardy, a neurogeneticist at the UK Dementia Research Institute, told Deutsche Welle: "Real neurologists are unlikely to comment because they are taught never to comment on people who are not their patients.”

Emphasising that he was a neurogeneticist, not a neurologist, he said of Putin: "No sign of parkinsonism in my view.

"He did not look well…but not Parkinson's disease."