Swollen Face and Fatigued Expression: "Suddenly Aged Drastically" - Health Concerns Resurface Over Putin at Victory Day Parade

Attends Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow
Speculation Arises Over "Possible Health Issues" Due to Changed Appearance

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a public appearance at the Victory Day parade, Russia's largest national commemorative event. However, his participation in this year's event has sparked various rumors and speculation.

On May 10, international media including the New York Post reported that President Putin attended the Victory Day parade held the previous day at Red Square in Moscow, Russia. The reports noted that Putin's face appeared more swollen than before and that he looked fatigued, reigniting speculation about his health.

Victory Day is a major Russian national event commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. On this day, President Putin delivered a speech to boost the morale of the Russian military. While he did not directly mention the war in Ukraine, he expressed support for the military by stating that "soldiers engaged in special military operations are fighting forces supported by the entire North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO."

However, after the event, online discussions continued regarding changes in President Putin's appearance. Some pro-Ukraine accounts claimed that Putin's face looked more swollen than usual and that his expression appeared tired or in pain. One user wrote, "What happened to Putin's face?" while another shared photos taken during the event, raising the possibility of health issues.

This year's Victory Day parade also drew attention for being held on a smaller scale than in previous years. International outlets reported that displays of heavy weaponry, such as armored vehicles and ballistic missiles, were reduced and that the event duration was relatively short. Security around President Putin was also noticeably tightened. Russian authorities reportedly significantly increased security around Moscow in preparation for possible long-range drone and missile attacks from Ukraine. In some regions, there were reports that internet access was restricted. Pro-Ukraine accounts also claimed that, unlike in previous years when President Putin would walk to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to lay flowers, this year he used an armored vehicle instead. However, the Kremlin has not made any official statement regarding these claims or President Putin's health.

Speculation about President Putin's health issues has been raised several times in the past. In 2022, Russian independent media reported suspicions that President Putin received treatment for thyroid-related diseases. Since then, various conjectures have continued regarding his gait, facial expressions, and hand movements in public appearances. However, the Russian government has consistently denied rumors about President Putin's health problems.

Meanwhile, this year's Victory Day event took place amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Prior to and after the event, there was talk of a temporary ceasefire and the possibility of prisoner exchanges. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that Russia was able to hold the parade only because Ukraine agreed not to attack. Born in 1952, President Putin first came to power through the presidential election in 2000, later serving as prime minister, and has remained at the center of Russian power ever since. Now 73 years old, he continues his long-term rule, but each public appearance draws external interest and speculation about his health.