Overview
- Footage from a November 6 event in Samara shows Vladimir Putin standing with clenched hands that appear veined, leading to renewed online speculation about his health.
- The clip, which circulated widely on November 9–10, drew posts from outlets and figures such as NEXTA, Anton Gerashchenko, and Dmytro Gordon commenting on his hands.
- According to the Kremlin website, the event featured Healthy Fatherland chair Ekaterina Leshchinskaya discussing a proposed vaping ban with the Russian leader.
- Newsweek reported it had sought comment from the Kremlin, which has repeatedly denied that Putin has any serious health problems, and no independent medical verification has been offered.
- The episode fits a recurring pattern, following earlier viral moments like April 2022 footage of Putin gripping a table and an October 2024 public absence that fueled similar speculation.