Putin alive, in good health, no body double being used, Kremlin says

The Kremlin on Tuesday firmly rejected reports of President Vladimir Putin's alleged illness and alleged use of a body double for Putin, dismissing them as "baseless" and reaffirming his well-being.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesperson, responded with amusement when questioned about the enduring rumours of Putin using body doubles in public appearances, unequivocally denying their existence. 

He described these speculations as "unfounded information hoaxes" that continue to circulate in certain media outlets.

Putin celebrated for his resolute image and his proficiency in martial arts, recently marked his 71st birthday on October 7. Despite his age, he maintains a rigorous schedule of meetings and public appearances, many of which are televised. His most recent activities included a visit to China and stops in two Russian cities on his return journey.

While Putin has consistently refuted the use of body doubles, he did acknowledge in a 2020 interview that he had been offered this option in the past due to security concerns. Despite official disavowals, such claims continue to persist in media circles, fueling ongoing speculation and discussion.

The Kremlin's response to these rumours underscores the intense interest and scrutiny surrounding Russia's long-standing leader. Putin's image and activities are frequently subject to both domestic and international attention, often giving rise to a range of speculations and theories. 

Nonetheless, the Kremlin remains steadfast in its dismissal of such conjecture and maintains that Putin is in good health and firmly in control of his duties as Russia's president.