Vladimir Putin. Credit line: American Photo Archive / Alamy / Profimedia
Speculation about Vladimir Putin's health and whereabouts is mounting after the Russian president has not been seen in public for more than 10 days, according to a number of publications including The Sun, Inews, Mirror and others.
Putin was last seen giving a speech on February 5, and his continued absence has sparked a number of rumors about the Russian leader's condition.
Russian state media recently aired footage of the Kremlin leader meeting with officials. However, it seems they were pre-recorded, which adds to the speculation.
Putin, 73, has long been rumored to be suffering from a health problem, although it remains unclear exactly what. Over the years, he has been seen at various times with shaking hands, spasms, or a swollen face.
In recent years, he has periodically disappeared from the public eye for days at a time with no explanation given, sparking numerous bizarre rumours.
Putin's health problems are a 'well-kept secret'
Experts say Putin appears to be suffering from some type of medical condition, but that claims of specific ailments were often just optimistic speculation.
“We know that Putin is not a healthy man because anyone who has observed him over time has noticed fluctuations in his physical condition,” said Keir Giles, research associate in the Russia and Eurasia program at international affairs think tank Chatham House in London. “He looks sick, including in public appearances, with his swollen face and the way he clings to the edges of tables or desks.”
“His speeches, which are limited to just a few minutes, are in huge contrast to the period when he seems much healthier and more robust, gives four-hour speeches and is obviously much more relaxed.”
Giles said Putin's health was a “very closely guarded secret in Russia”.
He added that there would be doctors attached to Western intelligence services who would try to identify Putin's symptoms following his television appearances.
The disappearance of the Russian leader from the public eye has become a fairly common occurrence.
In April 2025, Putin was not seen in public for eight days, Russian investigative site Agentstvo reported. Before that, his last absence was during the New Year holidays, between December 29, 2024 and January 8, 2025.
During these disappearances, Russian state television used clips of the Russian leader that, according to Agentstvo, made it difficult to determine the date of the shooting and appeared to have been filmed in advance.
“It's not uncommon for them to go out of sight for a while,” Giles said. “Every time he does, there's interesting speculation about the exact reason, whether it's health-related or otherwise, and there's always speculation.”
Giles said he expected Putin to reappear soon, with no explanation. “Typically, it reappears, often looking healthier than before,” he said.
The Kremlin has always denied that Putin is feeling ill.
