Vladimir Putin is showing “the consequences of a mini-stroke,” according to a former Kremlin speechwriter.
Abbas Gallyamov, who worked as Mr Putin’s speechwriter during his first two terms as president, said yesterday “health problems” may be as a result of an episode as long as two years ago.
Footage showed Mr Putin walking stiffly and shaking as he walked to greet key ally Alexander Lukashenko, Belarusian President in March 2022, two weeks into Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Now, as Mr Putin and US President Donald Trump held a telephone call to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine, Mr Gallyamov spoke to the media about concerns for the 72-year-old Russian leader.
“He definitely has some [health] problems. Journalists are writing about cancer, but what we saw back in 2022 looked more like the consequences of a mini-stroke,” the source said on Tuesday.
Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s call centred on “land and power plants” and discussed “dividing up certain assets,” it is understood. Last week, Mr Putin said he accepts the proposals of a ceasefire but warned that “there are questions that we need to discuss.”
He continued: “We need to negotiate with our American colleagues and partners. “Maybe I’ll have a call with Donald Trump. It will be good for the Ukrainian side to achieve a 30-day ceasefire. We are in favour of it, but there are nuances.”
The Independent reported this week that Ukraine has set out its own red lines for a ceasefire. They include: No further territory to be ceded, the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, the return of thousands of civilians illegally held by Russia, and a need for international security guarantees.
But Mr Gallyamov addressed his concerns in an interview with Daily Express, which says speculation around the world leader’s health has been rife for some time with some chatter Mr Putin has been diagnosed with cancer. There has been no official confirmation of this.
Mr Putin continues to strike bonds with his allies, including Mr Trump. Before their crunch meeting, it was reported the politicians “are very good friends” and the two presidents are dedicated to “strengthening” their relationship.
Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, offered an insight into America’s relationship with Russia. She explained that the leaders are focused on building their unison. It comes as the pair are set to discuss the Ukraine war on Tuesday. Mr Trump told reporters ahead of the meeting: “We will see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday.
“I will be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work’s been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can bring that war to an end.”
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