Recent videos and images of Russian President Vladimir Putin showing a “swollen and sore” hand with prominent bulging veins have reignited speculation about the 73-year-old leader’s health. This comes shortly after viral footage of U.S. President Donald Trump nodding off during an Oval Office announcement also made waves online.
Putin was seen tightly clenching his right hand while addressing a crowd of loyalists on a basketball court. Over the years, his hands have been a focal point of health rumours, with speculations ranging from Parkinson’s disease to cancer.
Putin’s health has drawn further attention following a leaked conversation with China’s President Xi Jinping, in which the Russian leader reportedly discussed potential longevity through organ transplants and biotechnology.
During the September meeting in Beijing, Putin was overheard saying, “Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become. People used to rarely live to 70, but now at 70, you are still a child.”
The Kremlin has consistently dismissed speculation regarding Putin’s health, labelling such reports “fake.”
Putin's health scare sparks debate online
Online observers have also noted previous images of Putin’s hands showing black spots, IV marks, and occasional twitching while holding tables, which some interpret as signs of serious illness.
According to Anton Gerashchenko, a former adviser to the Ukrainian interior ministry, “There’s something wrong with Putin’s hands.” He added, “Apart from the fact that they’re covered in blood up to the elbows, his veins are bulging too.”
Media personality Dmytro Gordon also commented on Putin’s condition, describing his hand as “swollen and sore, with veins bulging prominently on one hand.”
One post on X read, “Old age or AI? There’s something wrong with Putin’s hands.” The video has sparked renewed discussion among netizens, drawing attention to previous instances when Putin’s hands were reportedly injured or marked during public events.
Trump and Putin's health conditions
Putin is not the first world leader to face scrutiny over visible bruising or anomalies. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump was photographed with dark hand bruises, prompting online speculation about his health.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the marks were due to frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.
Following the latest video, social media users have suggested that Putin may be suffering from a neurological or circulatory condition, with some comparing the symptoms to Parkinson’s disease.
The public appearance, in which he appeared uncomfortable and clenching his hands, has added to ongoing rumours and speculation about the Russian president’s health.
Despite the widespread speculation, no official confirmation has emerged regarding any illness. Analysts note that visible changes in Putin’s hands continue to attract global attention, as the leader’s health remains a subject of international interest and concern.
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