Vladimir Putin's health may be failing during his Victory Day speech on Monday (May 9), a body language expert has claimed. The Russian President was spotted with a blanket over his legs, something that none of the other Kremlin dignitaries deemed necessary for themselves in the 9C Moscow weather.
The 69-year-old was also seen coughing, adding further to the rumours of his ill health which have ranged from Parkinson's disease to cancer amid his invasion of Ukraine.
Putin's 11-minute speech marked his first major televised address since March 18, as Russian military chiefs came together to celebrate the 77th anniversary of victory over the Nazis in World War Two.Mike Carter, a body language expert, watched it and noted three points in the President's posture that could be signs of discomfort or pain, the first being his breathing.
Mr Carter told the Daily Mirror: "His breathing is very shallow which could be some kind of pain he is enduring. We hold our breath when something mentally isn't right."He added that this could mean he was short of breath, another indication something may be wrong.In a separate analysis, Mr Carter explained how Putin rocking back and forth could also signal "agitation" or a health problem.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking hereHe said: "The constant rocking could be a health issue and that he's worried he might fall over.