![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
22-04-2022, 11:44 AM
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...riorating/
![[Image: TELEMMGLPICT000293480411_1_trans_NvBQzQN...mwidth=480]](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/world-news/2022/04/21/TELEMMGLPICT000293480411_1_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bqm2LUNC0Q0toWAKO9iKM9CFLaN9eYSx2Gg9IZjJxTT94.jpeg?imwidth=480)
Vladimir Putin slouched in his chair and held tightly on to the corner of the table CREDIT: PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/REUTERS
A video of Vladimir Putin tightly gripping a table during a televised meeting have sparked speculation over the Russian leader’s health.
In a rare live appearance together, the Kremlin chief was shown telling Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s defence minister, that his invasion forces had finally “liberated” the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol.
But Putin’s posture raised further questions over his condition, which some onlookers have claimed has rapidly deteriorated since the war began on February 24.
The Russian president was slouched in his chair and refused to let go of the corner of the table, which was gripped by his right hand, during the meeting.
Mr Shoigu, who some suggested had been sidelined because of ill-health or a disagreement over the war in Ukraine, read his short address to Putin from a sheet of paper.
Anders Aslund, a Swedish economist and former adviser to Russia and Ukraine, said video footage of the meeting showed both Russians “depressed and seemingly in bad health”.
“Shoigu has to read his comments to Putin and slurs badly, suggesting that the rumours of his heart attack are likely. He sits badly. Poor performance,” he added.
Vladimir Putin slouched in his chair and held tightly on to the corner of the table CREDIT: PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/REUTERSA video of Vladimir Putin tightly gripping a table during a televised meeting have sparked speculation over the Russian leader’s health.
In a rare live appearance together, the Kremlin chief was shown telling Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s defence minister, that his invasion forces had finally “liberated” the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol.
But Putin’s posture raised further questions over his condition, which some onlookers have claimed has rapidly deteriorated since the war began on February 24.
The Russian president was slouched in his chair and refused to let go of the corner of the table, which was gripped by his right hand, during the meeting.
Mr Shoigu, who some suggested had been sidelined because of ill-health or a disagreement over the war in Ukraine, read his short address to Putin from a sheet of paper.
Anders Aslund, a Swedish economist and former adviser to Russia and Ukraine, said video footage of the meeting showed both Russians “depressed and seemingly in bad health”.
“Shoigu has to read his comments to Putin and slurs badly, suggesting that the rumours of his heart attack are likely. He sits badly. Poor performance,” he added.
