In a twist of events that has captured global attention, reports speculating on the death of Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, emerged. According to these reports, Putin had allegedly passed away at his Valdai residence, situated north of Moscow. However, the Kremlin swiftly responded with a resounding denial, terming the reports as an “absurd information canard.” This development has ignited a wave of discussions and questions, emphasizing the need to dissect the details surrounding these claims.

The Source of the Reports

These reports of Putin’s supposed demise originated from a Telegram channel known as General SVR. Notably, this channel has a history of circulating information suggesting that Putin was seriously ill, possibly suffering from cancer, and facing a terminal illness. Moreover, General SVR contended that a “coup” was in progress in Russia. Their claim insinuated that Putin’s entourage, in an attempt to maintain control, was potentially trying to introduce a body double as the real president.

In a prompt and unequivocal response, Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, rejected the reports as an “absurd information canard.” This came as a follow-up to a prior denial just a week earlier, in which Peskov dismissed rumors of Putin suffering a heart attack and vehemently refuted claims of a body double being used by the Russian president.

The Kremlin’s Response

Unraveling Possible Motivations

One prevailing theory suggests that General SVR could be influenced by individuals who once held significant sway within Putin’s circle but have since witnessed their influence wane. This notion underscores the possibility of a heated power struggle taking place within Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Some even conjecture that elements within the GRU military intelligence could be connected to these reports.

The General SVR Report

The report issued by General SVR painted a grave picture. It claimed that an attempted coup was underway in Russia, alleging that Vladimir Putin had died at his Valdai residence. According to the report, doctors ceased resuscitation efforts at 20:42 Moscow time and confirmed his death. Subsequently, the doctors found themselves confined in a room with Putin’s lifeless body, under the watchful eye of members of the presidential security service. All of this unfolded based on the personal instructions of Dmitry Kochnev, the director of the Federal Guard Service. Kochnev maintained direct contact with Nikolai Patrushev, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. Moreover, the security for Putin’s alleged body double had been intensified, and negotiations were actively underway. The report ominously asserted that any attempt to substitute a body double for the president would amount to a coup.

The Role of Nikolai Patrushev

Nikolai Patrushev, aged 72, holds a significant position as the Secretary of Russia’s influential Security Council and serves as Putin’s principal intelligence advisor. General SVR has posited that Patrushev might be the primary candidate to succeed the president, but there are suspicions that he may be striving to consolidate power for his son, Dmitry Patrushev, who currently serves as the agriculture minister.

Persistent Claims of Putin’s Illness and Body Doubles

General SVR has consistently advanced the narrative that Putin’s health was in decline and that he had been substituted by actors, meticulously trained by security services and possibly subjected to plastic surgery to mirror the appearance of the Russian leader. Notably, Valery Solovey, a former professor at Moscow’s esteemed Institute of International Relations, has endorsed a similar perspective, suggesting that Putin might be in the final stages of his life.

The Veil of Secrecy

One significant aspect of this puzzle is the dearth of verifiable information about Putin’s health and whereabouts. Reports by the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Lt-Gen Kyrylo Budanov, assert that the authentic Putin has not been seen since June 2022. Budanov disclosed that the President, once a ubiquitous presence, was last spotted around June 26, 2022.

AI in the Investigation

Recent investigations delved into the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to scrutinize Putin’s face, gait, and voice across various public appearances. These examinations concluded that Putin might be employing one, if not two, body doubles. Nonetheless, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, rebuffed these claims, asserting that Putin’s work does not involve any body doubles.

A Web of Disinformation

The enigma surrounding Vladimir Putin’s health and identity is interwoven with a complex web of conflicting information. As the Kremlin maintains its stance on Putin’s wellbeing, the global community continues to watch this evolving narrative. The possibility of a power struggle, the existence of body doubles, and the ambiguous state of Russian leadership collectively contribute to a narrative that remains intricate and uncertain. In an era where information can be weaponized, ascertaining the truth becomes an ever more formidable challenge.

In Conclusion

The reports regarding Vladimir Putin’s health and the accompanying rumors of a “coup” within Russia are undeniably bewildering. As this situation progresses, one thing is resolutely clear: this is a chapter in Russia’s history that warrants vigilant scrutiny and meticulous analysis. While the truth may be elusive amid the swirl of disinformation, the world remains watchful, eager to discern the actual course of events within Russia. In these times when information is wielded as a potent tool, the pursuit of truth and transparency remains an imperative and ongoing mission.