Speculations are growing as he was last seen in public over 10 days ago.

12:33, Mon, Feb 16, 2026 Updated: 12:36, Mon, Feb 16, 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin Meets With Emir Of Qatar In Moscow

Speculations about Putin's health conditions are growing. (Image: Getty)

Rumours and speculations regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's health are growing after his last public appearance over a week ago. 

Putin has not been seen in public for over 10 days since delivering a speech on February 5. Russian state media has broadcast footage of the 73-year-old president in recent days, but there is speculation that the videos are pre-recorded, The Mirror reported.

At the Munich Security Conference, defiant Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested Putin "doesn't have much time".

Independent Russian media have reported that the 73-year-old president has been suffering from health problems, but this has never been verified.

Over the years, he has been seen at various points with a tremor in his hands, twitching legs, and a swollen face.

He has vanished from public view for days at a time in recent years with no explanation given, prompting many outlandish rumours, including that he has died and the Kremlin is using body doubles, the newspaper also said, adding that "other unconfirmed reasons include that Putin has suffered from various types of cancer or Parkinson’s disease, and is receiving medical treatment".

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Putin seldom takes holidays but vanishes from view several times a year without explanation, while meetings are seen as pre-recorded and shown on state TV. Such absences have led to speculation of Putin undergoing secret medical treatment.

Health concerns were previously raised in November after the Russian dictator appeared with "swollen and sore" hands, sparking speculation that the ageing leader could be suffering from a myriad of health complaints, or even cancer.

The 73-year-old displayed bulging veins beneath thin, wrinkled skin on his hands, which he kept firmly clenched at his side as he spoke. The swollen veins could be a sign of phlebitis, which, according to the NHS, is inflammation of a vein near the surface of the skin – a condition that often affects the elderly. As well as old age, other reasons for the condition can be cancer or being overweight.

Speaking to the i, Keir Giles, associate fellow of the Russia and Eurasia programme at the international affairs thinktank Chatham House in London, said: “We know that Putin is not a well man because anybody who has observed him over time has seen the fluctuations in his physical condition.

“He can look really quite ill, including in public appearances, with his bloated, puffy face and his clinging on to the edges of tables or desks.

“His speeches, which are limited to just a few minutes, are a huge contrast from when he seems far healthier and is robust and giving four-hour speeches and plainly much more at ease.”