Additional Coverage:
- Putin body double rumors resurface as ‘real’ Russian leader appears looking like ‘the walking dead’ (irishstar.com)
Speculation about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s use of body doubles has flared up again following his recent rare public appearance at a purported frontline support post.
On Friday, Putin visited what the Kremlin described as an auxiliary command post, aiming to showcase progress in Russia’s military efforts amid Ukraine’s ongoing momentum in the conflict. For years, there have been persistent claims that Putin employs lookalikes for some engagements to protect himself from potential threats.
However, this time around, many observers insisted that the footage showed the “real” Putin, describing him as appearing “frail” and “like the walking dead.” In videos from the visit, the 73-year-old leader is seen dressed in military fatigues, walking through a narrow corridor adorned with camouflage netting made of artificial greenery. Critics, though, have accused the Kremlin of staging the scene.
Putin appeared visibly anxious during the encounter with the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, a moment that appeared carefully choreographed for the cameras. One social media user commented, “When you see Putin in a bunker with Gerasimov, that’s the real Putin.” Others noted the stark contrast to the usually robust and energetic image the president projects, describing him as “skinny, frail, afraid” and “sickly.”
The sentiment was echoed by several commentators who remarked on Putin’s aged appearance, pointing to sunken eyes, increased wrinkles, and a general look of weariness. “There is a deadness to him,” one wrote, attributing it to the heavy toll of the ongoing conflict.
This rare public showing comes as Ukraine intensifies attacks on key infrastructure in Crimea, striving to isolate the strategically important peninsula under Russian control.
Despite attempts to portray strength, the visit sparked widespread ridicule online. Many accused the Kremlin of fabricating the scene, suggesting the footage was filmed on a set rather than an actual frontline location.
One social media post highlighted details such as the camouflage netting hung indoors, and the lighting and acoustics resembling a studio environment. “How many times did they rehearse this?”
a user questioned. Others dismissed the visit as “ridiculous propaganda” and “pure cinema,” pointing to what they described as theatrical backdrops and perfectly lit corridors inconsistent with real battlefield conditions.
The criticism underscored a growing skepticism about Kremlin communications as the conflict continues to unfold.