May 02, 2022

Is Putin Ailing?


Is Putin Ailing?
Putin then and now. Ailing or just aging? You be the judge. Kremlin.ru

In recent days, it has been reported that President Vladimir Putin will be going under the knife – cancer surgery – and that he will temporarily relinquish his powers to his éminence grise Nikolai Patrushev, the conspiracy loving hawk and "former" FSB head.

This has led to a spate of conjectures about the state of Putin's health, including resurrection of past rumors that he has Parkinson's (most notably citing his jittery movements in this February video of his meeting with Belarusan President Aleksandr Lukashenko).

 

As further evidence, some also cited Putin's unsteadiness, biting of his lips, etc. in last month's Easter Service. Yet in recent speeches there have been no indications of unsteadiness or slurring of speech.

Meanwhile, others have speculated that the president's puffy face is a sign of steroid use - potentially to treat some form of inflammation – or perhaps just plastic surgery.

Finally, another line of conjecture has just arisen from publication of the below Kremlin photo of Putin in his office as he made his horrific announcement of the attack on Ukraine. Notice the strange nodules or swelling on Putin's left hand.

Putin in his office.
February 24, 2022 / Kremlin Press Service

One doctor contacted Russian Life to suggest that this might be evidence of some sort of systemic, fatal illness. Another we contacted offered that it looked most like Dupuyten's contracture, a non-fatal condition caused by knots of tissue forming under the skin and contracting the fingers.

Regardless, the lack of openness and transparency regarding the health of Russia's leaders is nothing new. The reality is we must simply wait and see what develops. Or doesn't.

You Might Also Like

The Body Politic
  • May 01, 1997

The Body Politic

A revealing retrospective on Russian leaders' health, from Lenin to Yeltsin -- what they have sought to cover up, and why.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices
May 01, 2013

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955