Rumors about Putin using body doubles have been circulating for years, with AI investigations suggesting the use of at least two body doubles. Recent incidents, including Putin maintaining distance during public meetings and an AI-generated version of Putin appearing at a news conference, have added to these speculations. Amid the controversy, a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson suggested that the rumors could be a strategy by the Kremlin to gauge reactions to Putin's potential death.
Key takeaways:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin's New Year's speech sparked speculation about his health and the possibility of the speech being AI-generated due to his abnormal appearance.
- Claims suggest that Putin's neck movements were out of sync with his body, leading to suspicions that his head was superimposed onto a body. The lower resolution of the broadcast compared to previous years added to these speculations.
- Rumors about Putin using body doubles have been circulating for years, with AI investigations suggesting the use of at least two body doubles. A recent incident where Putin refused to stand within 70 feet of Britain's ambassador added to these rumors.
- A spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence directorate suggested that the rumors of Putin's death could be a strategy by the Kremlin to gauge reactions from Russian citizens and various stakeholders.