In recent days, an unverified claim on a Telegram channel allegedly operated by a Kremlin insider has circulated, suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin suffered a "cardiac arrest" in his bedroom. The channel, known as General SVR, has previously disseminated similar updates regarding Putin's health, many of which were later debunked. The latest incident, reportedly occurring on the evening of October 22, asserted that Putin was found "lying on the floor and rolling his eyes" by his guards. The Russian government swiftly denied these claims and affirmed that Putin is "fit and well."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov additionally refuted allegations of Putin employing body doubles, dismissing them as "absurd hoaxes."
The General SVR Telegram channel, purportedly administered by a former Russian lieutenant general, frequently shares news related to Putin's health, which is sometimes picked up by segments of Western media.
The speculation surrounding Putin's health has intensified, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. Earlier, the same Telegram channel propagated the idea that it was not Putin but a doppelganger who visited China recently. In August, another Telegram post triggered concerns about Putin's health, generating discussions on social media. Previously, the channel suggested that Putin was grappling with severe health issues, including headaches, blurred vision, and a numb tongue, in April. In May of the previous year, it was claimed that Putin underwent surgery to extract fluid from his abdomen. These assertions remain unverified, and the accuracy of such claims remains unclear.
As with previous reports, it is crucial to approach this latest unverified information with caution and await official statements or independently corroborated news regarding Putin's health.
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