Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked yet another speculation over his health after he was seen covering his legs with a blanket at the country's Victory Day celebrations.
According to photos and videos doing the rounds on social media, Putin can be seen keeping himself warm with the heavy blanket as he sat among Second World War veterans and senior dignitaries to watch a military parade in Moscow's Red Square.
While no other official needed the blanket, this added to speculation that Putin's health could be deteriorating.
Separately, the Independent reported that the Russian leader, wearing a black bomber jacket, was also spotted coughing and was the only person among his group who needed additional coverings to combat the relatively mild 9-degree Celsius weather in the nation's capital. A video also reportedly showed Mr. Putin appearing to limp, sparking more rumors around his health, with reports suggesting that the Kremlin leader could have Parkinson's or cancer.
This comes just after it was reported last month that the Kremlin leader might undergo surgery, possibly for cancer. Citing the Russian Telegram channel General SVR, the Independent reported that Mr Putin's doctors have warned him the surgery might incapacitate him for a "short time".
Moreover, another video emerged on social media showing Vladimir Putin slouching and tightly holding a table throughout a meeting with Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu. The video showed the 69-year-old appearing bloated, holding onto the corner of the table for the entire 12-minute meeting. Newsweek even pointed out that during a separate meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Mr Putin was seen clutching the table for support.
It is mentioned that the Kremlin has never commented on reports of the Russian leader's alleged ill-health. In fact, according to news.com.au, it is believed that the Kremlin tightly controls Mr Putin's appearances - including even putting time limits on his meetings to try and maintain his strongman persona.