Vladimir Putin has missed his annual ice hockey starring role raising new intrigue over his health or security concerns.
The Russian president instead appeared in a video with evident dark marks seen on both his cheeks.
Every May, Putin has made a habit of gliding over the ice at a gala match, part of Russia ’s Night Hockey League National Festival .
But this year while “expected” to take part, he instead sent a video message from the Black Sea resort Sochi.
He did not attend the match despite being nearby at the resort which involves top officials, security chiefs, oligarchs and celebrities.
A Moscow source said: “This was always a firm date in his diary. Something must be wrong for him to be a no-show.”
In May 2021, Putin boasted that ice hockey offered him longevity and he used his appearance to scotch rumours over his health at the time.
“You extend your life, you make it of better quality and deeper meaning,” he boasted.
This year, Putin appeared to have mysterious dark blotches on his cheeks which were perhaps masked by makeup.
New rumours are swirling over the 69-year-old's supposed medical problems and possible upcoming surgery.
Meanwhile he remains embroiled in a war with Ukraine that has seen tens of thousands of Russian deaths.
Thyroid and abdominal cancer, Parkinson’s disease and a schizoaffective disorder are among the health claims.
The Kremlin insists Putin is healthy, yet there is also speculation he is due to undergo surgery in the near future.
Another reason might have been security, coming two days after a 77-aircraft flypast was cancelled on Red Square amid claims he was concerned about an “aerial strike” at the annual Victory Day parade.
Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov let it be known that the president would not take part in the 2022 ice hockey festival.
Instead in a video message Putin said: “I wish you good luck in your ice battles and all the best. And as they say, may the best win.”
Regional Kuban News had reported: “It had been expected that Vladimir Putin would also play for Legends of Hockey.
"But in early May, the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Peskov, announced that the head of state would not take part in the game.
“It is only the second time in the history of the gala matches since 2012 that the President is missing this game.
“In 2013, he held a symbolic face-off, and watched the match from the stands.”
At the time, this was also blamed on health issues.
Warmongering Putin claimed on Monday that Russia carried out a 'preventative' strike on Ukraine and defended his war during his Victory Day speech.
The president's health has been the subject of persistent rumours since the invasion.
He addressed the nation at the annual military parade, which marks the defeat of Nazi Germany, and tried to justify his decision by claiming Russia was in danger.
