A rumor in the spy world is doing rounds that Putin has been fighting cancer for a long time. Kyrylo Budanov head of Ukraine’s defence intelligence has claimed that Putin’s health is not really well and suggested about Russian president that “he will die very quickly”. Recently his sickly appearance in public and his style of holding meetings at a distance or virtual mode are adding credibility to the rumors.
“He has been sick for a long time. I am sure he has cancer. I think he will die very quickly. I hope very soon,” Mr Budanov told ABC News. He also stated that the current Russia-Ukraine conflict would be won by Ukraine this year and it should be won before Putin dies.
The sudden demise of a strong Russian leader like Vladimir Putin without having any successor might leave the situation in worse condition. Multiple bloggers and Kremlin watchers also claim that there has been information about regular visits from cancer specialists. However, it is not verified that the leader is sick.
The recent radical decisions taken by Vladimir Putin have been attributed to his terminal illness by many. In particular his decision to invade Ukraine at the cost of tens of thousands of Russians lives and an economy under most strict sanction.
Earlier former CIA head William Burns also had commented earlier on Putin’s health calling him “too healthy”. Although Kremlin has been rejecting such news and insists that Russian President’s health is fine.