Russian President Vladimir Putin may have Parkinson's disease and his behaviour may be compromised by illness, a former head of MI6 has said.
Sir Richard Dearlove said speculation suggests the president could have Parkinson's which could cause symptoms such as 'loss of restrain' - which is even more worrying given his position.
Speaking to GB News, Sir Dearlove said: "What’s also worrying is the speculation, and it is speculation, that maybe Putin’s behaviour, maybe his rationality is prejudiced or compromised by illness.
"The best explanation, that we don’t know whether it’s correct or not, is that he may have Parkinson’s.
"That certainly I’ve heard from several neurologists who say that loss of restrain, psychosis, are very common Parkinson’s symptoms."
And he also may be on steroids, Sir Dearlove went on to say.
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He added: "And then there’s visual evidence he may be on steroids because of the way his appearance has changed.
"I think it's very worrying. Let's suppose that’s the case - we don’t know - someone in that position who seems so dominant, has his finger on the nuclear button, yes it’s very worrying."
Vladimir Putin has previously been accused of taking steroids that make users more aggressive.
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Former foreign secretary Lord David Owen said he suspects steroid use due to changes in the shape of Putin's face, which could be caused by muscle-boosting drugs.
Lord Owen told Times Radio: "Look at his face, see how that has changed - he now has an oval face.
"People who said, oh, it's plastic surgery or Botox, I don't believe that at all.
"He's on either anabolic steroids as a bodybuilder - and he's very proud of his muscles and strips to the waist and everything like that - or he's on corticosteroids.
"If you're on these drugs, this gives you this face.
"It reduces your immunity and makes you more vulnerable to Covid.
"This man has been in complete isolation, quite extraordinary, won't see anybody, stays miles away, tremendous pressures.
"Which indicates he's on a steroid and probably, maybe, a combination of both."
Lord Owen said the anabolic steroids can increase a person's aggression.
