Russia’s Foreign Minister has denied that President Putin is ill and has denied speculation about his physical condition of former spies, sources close to the Kremlin and assessments of his television appearances.
“President Vladimir Putin makes public appearances every day,” Sergey Lavrov, 72, told French television. “I don’t think a sensible person can suspect any signs of illness or ailment in this man.
“I will leave it in the consciousness of those who spread these rumors despite the daily opportunities for everyone to see how he and others are.”
Sergey Lavrov said “winning the Donetsk and Luhansk regions” was an “unconditional priority” for Russia.
RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF RUSSIA / ANADOLU AGENCY / GETTY IMAGES
Talking about Putin’s 69-year-old health is almost taboo in Russia today, but abroad there has been speculation about whether he suffers from a serious illness, according to Ukrainian officials.