Kremlin accidentally releases now deleted footage of Putin that nobody was meant to see

President Vladimir Putin is renowned for never wanting to show weakness, but a now-deleted video from the Kremlin has raised concerns.

Over the years, promotional photos of the Russian leader, 73, have featured him riding horses, fishing in a forest, or carrying a rifle, all while shirtless.

Keen to project an image of alpha masculinity, the new video is at odds of this image of perfect health Putin and his team are at pains to portray.

A video was shared on the Kremlin's Telegram channel over the weekend to mark International Women's Day, but it was quickly deleted and replaced with an edited version.

In the original, according to The Moscow Times, Putin was seen coughing and spluttering as he tried to give a speech.

It comes after years of concern over his health, after he was seen limping meeting US President Donald Trump, as well as having swollen veins on the back of his hands.

The now-deleted video is at odds with the image of health Putin has been careful to portray over the years (Photo by ALEXEY NIKOLSKY/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

In the now-deleted video, Putin is seen struggling over his words, before pointing at his throat and saying hoarsely to the person behind the camera: "You know, let me say that again, because… my throat’s a bit scratchy. Yes, a bit scratchy. I almost started coughing. I’ve been talking a lot today.”

After the false start, Putin then gave a speech to mark International Women's Day, which is of particular importance in Russia.

The day served as a key moment in the 1917 Revolution.

Putin's speech said: "A generous, compassionate and truly wise feminine soul makes the world a better and kinder place, and a mother’s love remains in every person’s heart for life."

After the speedy deletion, Kremlin spokesperson Alexander Yushanev insisted it was a simple ‘weekend mistake’.

Yushanev said: "According to my information, no extraordinary investigation… is being conducted in the Presidential Administration regarding the unedited Putin’s greeting that was posted online."

"It’s just a weekend mistake, which can happen to anyone. And it’s not the first time with the Kremlin itself, by the way. Everywhere, so far, real people are working, not AI," he insisted.

Putin was seen coughing and spluttering and pointing at his throat (Kremlin)

"Did someone seriously think that all video materials are written in one attempt, or that a person can’t clear their throat after a nearly three-minute speech?’ argued the publicist.

The video follows long-standing rumours and concerns around Putin's health, despite the President's insistence he is healthy and he regularly shared an interest in medicine, science, and increasing longevity.

At a recent press conference in Beijing, he said: "Modern means and methods of improving health, even various surgical [operations] involving organ replacement, allow humanity to hope that … life expectancy will increase significantly."

One Pro-Kremlin supporter insisted the video release wasn't a mistake, and instead feared sabotage.

According to the Express, blogger Lev Vershinin wrote on Telegram "Anyone with even a passing understanding of the behind-the-scenes process will confirm that this shouldn't have been possible. They couldn't have failed to check before publishing it. In systemic terms, it looks like a revolt."

Ukrainian journalist Denys Kazansky suggested those closest to Putin had become fed up of 'this ailing, senile old man' and alleged someone released it deliberately.

Onlookers reported seeing Putin limping as he went to greet Donald Trump recently (Photo by Kremlin Press Service / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

He hit out at Putin, writing: "You try to present yourself as a young, strong leader, and then someone leaks a single video and your whole image crumbles."

In recent years, critics and supporters alike have expressed concerns over the President's health, after he was seen limping when walking to greet Donald Trump recently.

Back in 2022, footage showed Putin swaying back and forth, shaking his legs and repeatedly twisting his feet.

One expert told The Mirror they recognised the signs.

Professor Angus Dalgleish of St George's, from the University of London said: "Tremors would be consistent with Parkinson's, and certainly the tremors he has in his hands are all consistent with the disease," he said. "I would put my money on the fact that he's got Parkinson's."

In November 2025 he was also spotted with swollen veins on the back of his hands.

The Kremlin insists that the President is in fine health.