Putin seen looking weak and frail amid ongoing rumours of bad health | World News

The summit took place in Minsk, the Belarusian capital, on Friday. 

Putin made comments questioning the legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelensky’s position as President of Ukraine. 

He also discussed recent nuclear drills held in Russia and reaffirmed the federation’s support for continued cooperation with Belarus. 

At a press conference held after the summit, Putin looked noticeably rundown as news broke of minor successes in Ukrainian efforts to push back against Russia’s latest shock assault on the frontline in Kharkiv. 

Speculation that the Russian president may be terminally ill has circulated since the launch of his full-scale invasion, which has now raged for more than two years.

Putin, now 71 years old, was sworn in for a fifth term as president earlier in March, marking 24 years since he first assumed office. 

Footage from meetings and public appearances have shown the elderly Russian premier gripping the edge of a table, seemingly for support, as well as tapping his feet erratically and appearing unsure of his feet as he walks. 

His face has also become considerably rounder and puffier over the years, though some claim the president may also have undergone plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures. 

Rumours about his physical condition were also recently further fuelled after Putin pulled out from a presidential trip to the western Russian border city of Pskov, citing ‘unfavourable flying conditions.’

Weather forecasts for the day suggested the skies were clear.