Kremlin laughs off rumors that President Putin uses body doubles
On the 12th of October, 2023, Vladimir Putin, the leader of Russia, participated in a collective announcement with his counterpart from Kyrgyzstan after holding discussions in Bishkek.
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For quite some time, there have been rumors that Russian President Vladimir Putin employs body doubles to take his place during public appearances due to health or security concerns. However, on Tuesday the Kremlin dismissed these speculations and made fun of them.
Reporters asked Dmitry Peskov to share his thoughts on an unverified report about Putin's alleged health issue circulated on a Russian Telegram channel. Despite some Western media outlets picking up the story, Peskov laughed it off without giving any further comment.
According to a Reuters translation, Peskov stated that the reports about Putin using body doubles are untrue and that there is no reason to worry about his health. He dismissed any further inquiries on the matter, indicating that everything is just fine with the Russian president.
Peskov commented that this falls under the absurd category of made-up news that several media outlets tirelessly discuss. It only brings a smile to our faces.
Putin has largely based his leadership on portraying himself as an energetic and powerful "tough guy." He has even been captured in photos without a shirt while horseback riding on fishing and hunting escapades.
At 71 years old, it is highly anticipated that Putin will make another run for the presidency in 2024 after amendments have been made to Russia's constitution that permit such action. Nonetheless, Putin has not yet given any confirmation regarding this matter.
Despite rumors and speculations, Putin has refuted the notion of employing doppelgängers. However, during an interview with Russia's TASS news agency in 2020, he admitted to being offered the use of one for safety purposes during Russia's clash with Chechnya in the early 2000s. Putin disclosed that he ultimately declined the offer.
Putin stated that he declined to have duplicates when terrorism posed a great challenge. However, he did not elaborate on the matter.
This isn't the initial occasion when the Kremlin has dismissed such gossips. It's quite common when Putin is photographed looking slightly different, such as having a changed skin tone or not donning a watch, for instance.
Last April, Peskov, the representative of Putin, once again denied the allegations of the body double and stated that there are various other people who work on behalf of the President while he sits inside a fortified underground bunker.
According to comments released by TASS, Peskov referred to it as "another falsehood" and stated that "he has consistently been and remains remarkably engaged." Those who collaborate with him are barely able to keep up with his level of energy. Peskov stated that his health is the envy of others, and he wishes to be as healthy as him.
Naturally, he doesn't spend time in any underground shelters. This statement is also false, clarified Peskov.
According to reports, the president, who used to be a successful Judo athlete, is highly concerned about his well-being. To avoid catching the contagious Covid-19 disease, he has put in place very rigid safety protocols.
