Rumours have been circulating in the media over the health of Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, despite ongoing denial from the Kremlin.
Several reports have suggested that the Russian is suffering from a number of ailments - which reportedly include stomach cancer and Parkinson's disease.
Now a new post on the Telegram channel General SVR claims that the Russian President has been complaining recently of a crippling abdominal pain prior to an important war meeting.
The channel said: "Putin complained of aching pain in the abdominal cavity, which could not be quickly stopped, and he held the meeting leaning forward, trying to maintain a natural posture."
It added: "Putin’s oncology is progressing and, despite adequate treatment lately, the pain is not always completely relieved.
"It must be understood that the deplorable state of the president's physical and mental health affects the adoption of key decisions."
Amid the ongoing chatter about his health, it seems that Putin's paranoia has gone even further as reports claim his elite bodyguards are ordered to quietly take home his poo whilst he is on trips abroad.
The president has gone to great lengths to cultivate an image of a strong leader, making sure to be seen on hunting trips or riding horses bareback.
But in recent months, he has looked more frail and puffy in the face, with some suggesting that his ill appearance is down to steroid use.
At Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow in May, Putin even used a blanket to keep himself warm, unlike others around him.
And now, news that Putin's excrement is brought home when he is on foreign trips has led to speculation he is hiding any evidence of illness over fear his poo could be analysed by suspecting Western powers.
The regime's Federal Protection Service is tasked with the unpleasant job of collecting his faeces and keeping it under armed guard, claimed Paris Match , citing veteran Russian reporters.
The poo is allegedly packaged up and put into a briefcase for a safe return back to Russia.
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