A new contender for a possible successor to Russian President Vladimir Putin has surfaced online.
This time, the alleged deputy is Dmitry Kovalev, a 36-year-old member of the presidential administration.
The factual basis under the rumors is weak: a young man identified as Kovalev by Telegram’s BASE channel was seen on television talking to Putin after Monday’s Victory Day parade.
For a leader who is known to keep his distance from everyone, a close conversation seems enough to provoke speculation about a successor.
It is reported that the health of the Russian strongman is deteriorating, the young Kovalev is only the last, according to rumors, heir.
A much more likely candidate – Nikolai Patrushev, 70, head of Putin’s security council – was announced last week amid rumors that Putin was scheduled for surgery.
The Kremlin has categorically denied that Putin suffers from any chronic health problems.
As rumors of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s health swirl, people are speculating about his possible successor. Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen cuddling with Dmitry Kovalvov in a Victory Day parade. Getty Images Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev is considered the most likely successor to Russian President Vladimir Putin. POOL / AFP via Getty Images
An investigative report last month in the independent Russian newspaper The Project claimed that Putin was battling thyroid cancer – and had been seen by an oncologist 35 times in recent years.
Putin has become so paranoid about his health, the publication claims, that he has even turned to non-traditional and barbaric therapies.
Putin is said to be bathed in blood extracted from deer antlers, which are cut off as they grow and are still full of fresh blood, the paper said. The disgusting “horn baths” are an alternative therapy in the Altai region of Russia, which borders Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly battling thyroid cancer. AP
Believers say that baths improve the cardiovascular system and rejuvenate the skin, explained The Project.
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