Putin ‘sways’ during speech attacking US after months of health fears rumours | World | News
Vladimir Putin appeared to continuously sway as he sent a warning to the United States during an appearance in front of the media. The new footage will almost certainly raise further speculation around the health of the Russian despot.
Rumours and wild theories around the 73-year-old’s health have swirled for years and most recently spiked in August after his summit with Donald Trump in Alaska. He appeared to limp as he arrived for the talks, while some claimed he had “shaking” legs as he bade farewell to the US President. The latest incident on Thursday, where Putin appeared to keep moving, will most likely add further fuel to the rumours.
The footage was captured in Moscow as he vented to journalists about the US.
He discussed the possibility of America sending Ukraine long-range missiles and Mr Trump’s decision to cancel their high-stakes meeting on ending the Ukraine war in Hungary.
Putin said Washington supplying Kyiv with the Tomahawk missiles, which would put Moscow within reach, would be “an unfriendly act towards Russia”.
He continued: “This is an obvious thing, and it does not strengthen Russian-American relations, which have just begun to recover.
“Of course, with such actions the US administration damages Russian-American relations.
“This, of course, is an attempt to put pressure on Russia. But no self-respecting country and no self-respecting people ever decide anything under pressure.
“And, of course, Russia has such a privilege to feel and consider itself on this list of self-respecting countries and peoples.”
Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for the weapons as he believes they could be a game-changer in bringing the Russian president to the negotiating table. Mr Trump has so far rejected the calls.
While appearing unsteady, Putin also addressed his cancelled meeting with Mr Trump.
He said: “It would be a mistake both for me and the US President to approach this lightly and leave the meeting without the expected result.”
There have been unsubstantiated claims Mr Putin may be battling cancer, Parkinson’s, or other serious illnesses.
The Kremlin has denied all speculation, while Western intelligence has said there is no hard evidence.
