Is this the real Vladimir Putin? (Image: AP)
Vladimir Putin may have used a body double during his visit to Tehran, according to the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence.
The Russian leader looked uncomfortable as he descended the steps of his presidential plane from the Kremlin, says Major General Kyrylo Budanov.
He added that Putin appeared to move with unusual speed on his trip to the Iranian capital and appeared more alert than in previous public appearances.
Another unusual display was when the president appeared animated as he greeted guests, instead of his usual neutral face.
Speaking about his suspicions to Ukraine’s 1+1 news channel, Budanov said: “I’ll just give a hint.
“Please look at the moment of Putin’s exit from the plane. Is it Putin?
Ukrainian reports said Budanov believed “a Putin lookalike flew to Tehran to meet the presidents of Iran and Turkey.”
Putin has been accused of displaying unusual behavior at the talks (Image: AFP via Getty Images) Many say his appearance appeared unusual (Image: AP)
During his visit, he met with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as the leadership of Iran.
While in Erdogan’s presence, Putin is accused of looking visibly uncomfortable and can be seen making strange facial expressions.
However, at the time, Ukraine did not suggest that he was a body double.
During the visit, official Anton Gerashchenko posted on Telegram: “Erdogan kept Putin waiting during the meeting in Tehran.
“The entire spectrum of emotions of the humiliated and insulted Führer is on his face.
“The bunker is indeed the best place to stay with that face.”
Putin joined Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)
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Ukrainian news agency UNIAN commented: “The dwarf does not like to be disrespected.”
Putin admitted two years ago that officials had considered using doubles, but claimed the idea was rejected. He added: “I dismissed the idea of any stunts.”
In the early 2000s, when Russia was hit by terrorist attacks, he was advised that a lookalike should take his place at events where the head of state might be at risk, he said.
“This was during the toughest time in our war on terror,” he said.
Former Kremlin leaders, for example former Soviet supremacists Josef Stalin and Leonid Brezhnev, used body doubles.
Meanwhile, a Russian source who is an expert on Putin has strongly disputed the CIA’s claim that the Kremlin leader is “too healthy” and shows no evidence of multiple medical problems.
There are also claims that Putin suffers from serious illnesses such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease and schizoaffective disorder.
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