'Real' Putin 'hasn't been seen in public for a year' and 'can't even get out of bed'

The health and wellbeing of Russian President Vladimir Putin has long fascinated onlookers globally but has reached new heights since Moscow invaded its neighbour Ukraine.

Some in Ukraine think he might have a double (file)

A top Ukrainian military figure has claimed the "real" Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been seen for more than a year.

It's not the first time Major-General Kyrylo Budanov has made claims about the Kremlin's use of doppelgangers and body doubles since the war in Ukraine started, who also said he wasn't sure if Putin was alive.

In charge of undercover operations and drone attacks, he has now given a remarkable interview claiming the Putin "everyone used to know, was last seen around 26 June 2022".

The general said "there might be so many different reasons" why the autocrat allegedly hasn't been seen for some time.

He was then quizzed whether footage of Putin checking his watch but looking at the wrong wrist was in fact the "real" Putin.

Major-General Kyrylo Budanov has given a remarkable interview

"Let's leave it to everyone [to decide], so everyone leaves it to their own fantasy," he explained, before noting that he personally thought it was a double.

He was then asked if he knew whether Putin was alive or not, to which he said: "I don't know what to answer you."

Putin has previously admitted he had been asked by aids, like other Russian leaders had, whether or not he wanted to use body doubles.

He said he refused the offer.

Do you think Putin uses body doubles? Let us know in the comment (file)

Rumours about Putin using doubles have swirled for some time, but while they are only rumours, some are convinced of them.

A former professor at the Institute of International Relations, political analyst Dr Valery Solovey, thinks there's no chance the "real" Putin will be able to contend the 2024 Presidential election.

"He can hardly get out of bed, with difficulty getting dressed," he said.

"President Putin...simply will not be able to participate in the elections...will not be able to, physically.

"President Putin cannot put his own trousers on without external assistance, let alone participate in elections.

"And if he puts them on without external help, he then needs to rest afterwards.

Putin's health is a frequent topic of speculation (file)

"He is in such terrible physical shape, it is getting worse.

"It is getting worse literally day by day...."

He continued: "In all public appearances the president is now replaced by a doppelgänger, a so-called double."

He even thinks leaders around the world are aware of the situation: "Western governments know perfectly well that President Putin is replaced by double...

"It is known by leaders of all more or less large countries across the world but everyone turns a blind eye."

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