Is Vladimir Putin sick? Why Russian President's hand is once again the focus of global attention

Speculation over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s health has resurfaced after new images showed his right hand appearing swollen and sore, sparking another wave of online theories about his condition.

In the clips circulating on social media, the 73-year-old Russian leader can be seen clenching his right hand as if in discomfort while addressing a crowd. The footage quickly went viral, with users questioning whether the president might be suffering from a serious medical issue.

A new video surfaced of putin and there’s something really wrong with his hands. Russians online are starting to worry their ruler isn’t okay.

Nevertheless, we hope he never gets well. pic.twitter.com/NUmqwFMBnW — Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) November 10, 2025

Putin’s hand has drawn attention before, but this latest appearance has reignited speculation that he may be dealing with an undisclosed illness.

A stiff appearance in Samara

The most recent video, recorded during an event in Samara on November 6, shows Putin standing near a basketball hoop at a sports facility. He is seen holding his hands close to his sides and keeping them tightly clenched while listening to Ekaterina Leshchinskaya, chairperson of the Healthy Fatherland movement, who was briefing him on a proposal to ban vaping in Russia.

The footage was posted on the Kremlin’s official website, but it soon became the subject of intense discussion on X and Telegram.

What's with Putin's hands in this video? https://t.co/hF5yqgEFeipic.twitter.com/xl5Wopj2ID — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 9, 2025

Ukrainian officials and journalists were among the first to comment. Former Ukrainian Interior Ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko shared the clip and wrote, “There’s something wrong with Putin’s hands. Apart from the fact that they’re covered in blood up to the elbows, his veins are bulging too.”

Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Gordon also weighed in, calling the president’s hand “swollen and sore, with veins bulging prominently on one hand.”

Online theories multiply

Social media users flooded discussion platforms with theories. Some suggested that Putin could be suffering from a neurological or circulatory disorder, while others compared his symptoms to Parkinson’s disease. A few argued that the swelling could simply be a sign of ageing.

There is, however, no official confirmation or medical evidence to support any of these claims.

The debate comes only months after Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, 72, reportedly discussed longevity and biological science. During that conversation, Putin had said, “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.”

A history of health rumours

Questions about Putin’s health are not new. In 2022, soon after the Russia-Ukraine war began, photos showing dark marks on his hand during a military visit caused a stir online.

Later that year, a video surfaced showing Putin gripping a table tightly while speaking to then–Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, adding fuel to ongoing speculation.

In October 2024, the president disappeared from public view for nearly two weeks. The Kremlin eventually clarified that he was undergoing routine medical examinations in Moscow and dismissed reports of serious illness as “fake news.”

Despite repeated denials, rumours about Putin’s health have persisted, particularly whenever he appears stiff or avoids public engagements for extended periods.

Other leaders have faced similar scrutiny

Putin is not the only global leader whose hands have sparked curiosity. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump faced similar attention when photos showed dark bruises on his hands.

The White House later clarified that the marks were caused by “tissue damage from frequent handshaking” and aspirin use as part of his “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”