Putin Paradox: Why the Kremlin Secretly Supports Rumors About the Russian President's Failing Health

Recent rumors concerning the health of Russian President Vladimir Putin are “wanted by the Kremlin,” according to experts, as they contribute to an ongoing narrative surrounding his well-being.

While reports from last year hinted at a myriad of health issues plaguing the 71-year-old leader, ranging from Parkinson's disease to cancer diagnoses, and even suggestions of reliance on body doubles due to alleged frailty, experts believe that such rumors serve a strategic purpose for Putin's regime.

Professor Stephen Hutchings, an authority in Russian Studies, suggests that the controlled circulation of these rumors is advantageous for Putin's image, portraying him as a powerful figure whose health is a subject of public concern, thus reinforcing perceptions of his dominance.

"It's a paradox," Hutchings notes, "Those around Putin circle are happy to have these rumors circulate in a controlled fashion, because it shows how powerful he is and how people are concerned how he is wielding that power,” the Daily Star reported.

While subtle indications of aging have been observed in Putin, such as reported instances of verbal stumbling, Hutchings maintains that this is a natural progression given the president's advancing age.

However, he suggests that the Kremlin may also be selective in managing perceptions of Putin's capabilities, particularly as scrutiny of his health could potentially destabilize the regime.

"Yes, he is moving into his 70s now, but I can’t say I was taken aback by feeling he was under the weather or incapable,” Hutchings acknowledges. “He sometimes stumbles over his words more than he used to. There were a couple of points where he paused as long as he did."

Despite the potential utility of health speculation in diverting attention from more destabilizing inquiries, insiders are cautious about allowing broader scrutiny, particularly concerning Putin's past and demeanor.

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Hutchings warns, "I don’t think they want people digging into his past too much and every aspect of his demeanor and manner, because despite the fact that it’s a repressive dictatorship and it’s not fully stable."

Furthermore, he suggests that much of the online chatter surrounding Putin's health emanates from younger Russians navigating the constraints of a digital age under a repressive regime, indicating that dissent and speculation persist despite attempts by the Kremlin to suppress them.