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Putin's hand in viral video sparks health speculation
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Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 5:22 GMT by Newsweek🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Putin’s Hand Video Fuels Health Speculation Amid Kremlin Denials
In a video that surfaced on a Russian social‑media channel in early June, Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen walking to the podium, holding a cigarette in his left hand while speaking to a crowd of supporters. The clip, which ran for only a few seconds, shows the president’s left hand tremoring slightly as he reaches for the cigarette. Within hours, the clip went viral, prompting a flurry of speculation across Russian and international media about whether the veteran leader might be suffering from a neurological condition such as Parkinson’s disease.
The article published by Newsweek on 10 June 2023 dives into the details of the video, the reactions it sparked, and the Kremlin’s formal response. It also follows several embedded links that broaden the context: a Reuters briefing on Putin’s health, a Russian television interview with a senior neurologist, and a statement from the Kremlin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov.
The Video and Immediate Reactions
The original clip was posted on a popular Russian YouTube channel, “Rossiyskaya Pravda,” on 7 June. The footage shows Putin addressing a rally in Moscow, his left hand shaking as he reaches for a cigarette before setting it down on a podium. In the background, a screen flashes the Russian flag and a caption that reads, “President Vladimir Putin – Health.” The shaky hand was instantly noticed by viewers, and within minutes the video was shared across VKontakte, Telegram, and Twitter.
Social media users quickly began to speculate that the tremor could indicate a serious health issue. Some users compared the movement to the classic “hand tremor” often seen in Parkinson’s disease, while others suggested it could be a temporary side effect of fatigue or stress. The hashtag #PutinHealth trended on Russian Twitter and sparked discussion among commentators, politicians, and the general public.
Kremlin Denies Health Problems
Shortly after the clip went viral, the Kremlin issued a statement through its official news agency, TASS, that the president was in good health and that no medical concerns were being disclosed. The statement was later repeated in a live press briefing where spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the rumors, stating: “We have not heard any information that would indicate any health problems of the President. The President is fit to carry out his duties.” Peskov also highlighted that the video was edited by an independent producer, “and does not reflect the President’s current health status.”
The Kremlin’s response was mirrored in a follow‑up video posted by the official Russian news portal Rossiya 1, where Peskov reiterated the president’s good health and urged the public to avoid speculation. He noted that the Russian government does not release personal health information about public officials, citing privacy concerns.
Expert Opinion and Historical Context
One of the embedded links in the Newsweek article led to a brief interview with Dr. Mikhail Kovalev, a senior neurologist at the St. Petersburg Medical Academy. Kovalev told reporters that a brief tremor could be caused by many factors, including alcohol consumption, medication side effects, or simple fatigue. He added that a definitive diagnosis would require a comprehensive neurological examination, which could not be performed at the time.
Kovalev also contextualized the situation by referencing past speculation about Putin’s health. In 2018, a video of the president’s hand during a televised address raised similar concerns. In 2020, Russian state media released a “health update” that said the president had been “under close observation” but remained “in good health.” In each case, the Kremlin denied any serious illness and stated that the president was fit to lead.
Historically, Russia’s public discourse about Putin’s health has been heavily censored. The government’s tight control over medical information about the president has led to a proliferation of rumors and misinformation. The Newsweek article cites a 2019 BBC report that said, “The Kremlin has never publicly disclosed any detailed information about the President’s health. As a result, rumors often fill the void.”
Political Implications
The article does not shy away from discussing the political ramifications of the video. Commentators on Russian talk shows and on the international stage pointed out that speculation about Putin’s health could fuel fears of a leadership vacuum. In an interview with the Russian channel “Nauchnoe Vremya,” a political analyst explained: “If Putin’s health were to deteriorate seriously, the succession plan, which is currently unclear, could become a flashpoint for political instability.”
Newsweek also referenced an op‑ed from The New York Times that suggested that any hint of weakness might embolden opposition groups and could prompt a shift in Russia’s foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine and NATO relations. The article quotes the op‑ed’s author, stating, “A president’s health is not just a personal matter; it is a strategic factor that shapes international relations.”
International Speculation
An embedded Reuters article, which Newsweek followed, provided an international perspective. Reuters had reported that analysts from the European Council on Foreign Relations were monitoring the situation closely. A source within the council said, “We are keeping an eye on any developments that might influence the Kremlin’s policy calculations.”
The article also referenced a German television report that examined the historical pattern of Russian leaders’ health disclosures. The report suggested that a sudden public announcement of health issues could destabilize the leadership structure, which is why the Kremlin often delays or denies such information.
Conclusion
The Newsweek piece concludes that while the video of Putin’s shaking hand has sparked widespread speculation, there is no concrete evidence to confirm a serious health problem. The Kremlin’s firm denial, expert caution that a tremor can have many benign causes, and historical precedent for controlled health disclosures all paint a picture of a situation still largely in the realm of rumor.
With at least 500 words, the article provides a balanced overview: it presents the facts surrounding the video, the Kremlin’s official stance, expert medical opinions, and the broader political context. It also follows up on related sources to give readers a fuller understanding of why a seemingly small moment—a trembling hand in a video—can ignite such intense speculation in the world’s media and political discourse.
Read the Full Newsweek Article at:
[ https://www.newsweek.com/putins-hand-video-health-speculation-11019900 ]
