There are growing rumours regarding the health of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
For decades Putin has projected himself as the world's leading strongman. Invading neighbours, launching cyber attacks and interfering in the elections of democracies he considers his rivals. A carefully constructed image as been carved out, including pictures of him riding horses shirtless.
However, a series of television appearances have caused many to question the health of the Russian leader. After launching his unprovoked and brutal war against neighbour Ukraine, which has included the widespread targeting of civilians as well as women being raped, commentators have been suggesting that Putin is not as well as he seems.
Read more: Who is in Vladimir Putin's inner circle? The generals and security staff in an elite group
What is the evidence that Putin has Parkinson's, cancer or another condition?
Six weeks ago WalesOnline wrote this piece documenting the evidence that Putin may be having health issues. This included "puffy eyes" which could be an indication of cancer and a long table at meetings placing him a substantial distance away from others suggesting he could be immunocompromised.
Now footage has emerged of the 69-year-old looking shaky and anxious at Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Footage from the service showed Putin chewing his lips and fidgeting as he spoke only once in chorus with the congregation saying "truly he is risen".
Other images of Putin sat at a table have shown him gripping it tightly throughout meetings, suggesting he is struggling to stay upright. Professor Erik Bucy, from Texas Tech University, told the Sun Online : "It’s an astonishingly weakened Putin compared to the man we observed even a few years ago. This is not a portrait of a healthy Putin but one appearing increasingly feeble and barely able to hold himself upright at a small conference table."
In this video Putin can been seen greeting someone but being unsteady on his feet and almost losing his balance:
Some commentators have pointed to comments made by the Republican senator Marco Rubio, who suggested "something is off" with the Russian leader.
Mr Rubio sees classified intelligence and has been on the record saying: "I wish I could share more, but for now, I can say it’s pretty obvious to many that something is off with Putin."
It should be stressed that none of this amounts to definite proof. However, given the misinformation machine that the Russian state has become it makes attempts to dispel these rumours by Putin's administration hard for many to swallow as much of what they say is viewed with scepticism (Putin was denying the fact he had any plans to invade Ukraine until right before he did).
