All eyes were on Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin when they met in Alaska on Saturday – with many observers keeping a particularly close eye on the Russian President’s physical condition. And despite the Kremlin’s repeated denials, many observers noticed unusual behaviour which inevitably reignited fierce speculation about his health.
Footage from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson showed Putin descending the aircraft stairs slowly, pausing midway, and then appearing to limp on the red carpet.
During the brief public appearance with Mr Trump, he also flexed his knees repeatedly and shifted his feet, which Ukrainian media picked up on. The Times of Ukraine posted: “Attention — Putin’s legs. What is wrong with them?”
A Telegram channel, Nevzorov, noted his legs were “shaking” and joked that “maybe his shoes are tight.”
Some further suggested he might be wearing height-boosting inserts to match Trump’s 6ft 3 frame, while fringe speculation even mentioned a lightweight exoskeleton.
“A strange element resembling a light exoskeleton was noticed in the outfit of the Russian dictator,” claimed Crimean Wind.
The 20 centimetre – or eight inch – difference in the leaders’ heights was “not very noticeable on the video.
“However, something resembling a light exoskeleton under the [trousers] – at least from the knees down – is noticeable.”
During the short press session, journalists asked about ceasefires and civilian deaths.
Putin seemed somewhat flustered, raising his voice and shouting at reporters, while Mr Trump watched silently.
Both leaders claimed “progress” but offered no specifics. European officials have meanwhile stressed that Russia cannot veto Ukraine’s NATO or EU membership, though Russian media framed the summit as a win for Moscow.
Dramatic claims about Putin’s health have circulated in recent years. The General SVR Telegram channel says he had to sit on a special cushion during long meetings after a “proctological operation” following a fall at his official residence.
They even claimed he uses “special underwear that retains liquids and odours” and often leans on tables to stay upright.
Some videos of Security Council meetings appear suspicious, showing officials in identical clothes on separate days.
Rumours about serious illness are longstanding. Investigative journalists reported that between 2016 and 2019, Putin travelled with a thyroid cancer surgeon.
Some pointed to what they saw as fidgety behaviour, facial bloating, and an unsteady gait, fueling ongoing speculation.
The summit itself produced no major breakthroughs. But Putin’s movements, pauses, and odd posture drew immediate attention.
Combined with reports of surgery, possible past cancer treatment, and ongoing speculation about his health, the meeting has once again cast a spotlight on the Russian president’s condition and what it could mean for the country’s leadership.
