MOSCOW: In a startling turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly suffered a "cardiac arrest" on Sunday evening, as claimed by a Telegram channel known for frequently publishing reports about the Russian leader's deteriorating health. The General SVR Telegram channel, without substantiating its claims, also suggested that recent appearances by Putin may have been carried out by body doubles. According to the channel, doctors had to resuscitate Putin before transferring him to a specialized intensive care facility within his official residence.
However, the channel's claim could not be verified and the Kremlin has also dismissed the report.
The channel reported, "Doctors performed resuscitation, having previously determined that the president was in cardiac arrest. Help was provided promptly, restarting his heart, and Putin regained consciousness." It may be noted that Kremlin officials have consistently denied any significant health issues related to the 71-year-old president.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suffered a cardiac arrest in his bedroom following months of speculation over his health, a source has claimed.https://t.co/0skfbN3RFY
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) October 23, 2023
The Telegram post continued with an account of the incident, alleging that security officers at Putin's residence heard noises and the sound of falling coming from his bedroom. They found Putin on the bedroom floor near an overturned table with food and drinks.
The channel further claimed that Putin was swiftly moved to a specially equipped room within his residence, where necessary medical equipment for resuscitation was already in place. His condition was reported as "stabilized," and he is under constant medical supervision.
The Kremlin, however, rejected speculations about the Russian leader's health, saying he was fit and well. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also categorically denied speculations that the President was using body doubles, calling that an "absurd hoax".
General SVR has previously suggested that Putin's health was declining, and this latest claim about his cardiac arrest has heightened concerns within the President's inner circle. It's noteworthy that there have been intense speculations about official meetings and events being conducted by a presidential double recently. In response to this incident, close associates of Putin are said to have discussed potential actions if the President's health deteriorates further.
Footage of an unexpected late-evening motorcade rushing to the Kremlin on Sunday has added fuel to the claims. Normally residing outside Moscow, Putin's presence at the government building has raised eyebrows.
The General SVR Telegram channel, allegedly run by a former Kremlin lieutenant-general known as Viktor Mikhailovich, asserts control over the activities of the purported body doubles. Recent AI analysis and statements by the head of Ukrainian military intelligence suggest that the real Putin may not have been seen for months.
Putin has reportedly made trips both inside and outside Russia, but the channel contends that these appearances were orchestrated by body doubles who underwent plastic surgery and extensive training to emulate the Russian leader. These claims, originating from the Ukrainian media, cast a shadow of uncertainty over Putin's recent activities and his true state of health.
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