Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening after months of speculation over his health.
General SVR, a Telegram channel that claims to have classified intel on Kremlin activities from retired and active intelligence officers, shared its allegations on social media, reports Sky News Australia.
The claims were also made by British outlets The Mirror, GB News and The Express.
Reports said that Putin was found lying on the floor of his bedroom next to overturned food and drinks at about 9.05 p.m. on Sunday. His security personnel stormed the room after hearing noises and the sound of the president hitting the floor.
The channel also claimed that “Putin convulsively arched while lying on the floor, rolling his eyes”. Doctors resuscitated the 71-year-old before taking him to a special intensive care facility located within his official residence.
General SVR, which is believed to be run by a former Kremlin insider, suggests all recent appearances by the Russian dictator, including foreign visits, have been carried out by a body double or doubles.
The channel’s claims have not been confirmed so far. There has also been no immediate official response from the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power.