A video showing Russian President Vladimir Putin saying goodbye to U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska has gone viral, sparking new conspiracy theories about Putin’s health and posture.
The short clip, filmed after their joint press conference, shows Putin’s legs “twitching suspiciously” as he stood next to Trump. In the footage, the Russian leader can be seen bending one knee repeatedly, which made his legs look shaky. (X/ghostofRoc)
The Kremlin-released video shows Putin’s knee jolting several times as he spoke with Trump and a translator, surrounded by aides and security staff. Observers also noticed him lifting his left toe and heel, adding to the unusual appearance.
Conspiracy theories spread online
On social media, especially in Ukraine, many users quickly speculated about what caused the twitching. Some joked that Putin might have been wearing “hidden platforms” in his shoes to appear taller, while others suggested he could be using an “exoskeleton” to improve his posture.
On X, several users claimed the leg movements hinted at a mysterious health condition. One post read:
“Putin may be suffering from a mysterious illness. The 72-year-old Putin with a swollen face is suffering from jelly legs (uncontrollable leg twitching).”
Another person commented, “What the heck is wrong with Putin? Look at his body, almost convulsing, unable to stand still.”
Body double claims
Others went further, arguing that the man seen with Trump might not have been Putin at all.
“I don’t think a KGB Master Spy would shake his legs so much when standing. This guy ain’t Putin,” one user wrote.
Critics also pointed out the lack of Putin’s usual “gunslinger gait.” Normally, he walks with one arm held stiffly at his side—believed to be a result of KGB training, where operatives kept a hand ready to draw a weapon.
