UK Media Reports Putin To Step Down In January Amid Parkinson’s Disease Fears
Overnight reports that 68-year old Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to unexpectedly step down early due to increasing debilitating health factors originated in the UK tabloid The Sun based in part on observations that he could be showing early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
“Observers who studied recent footage of Putin noted his legs appeared to be in constant motion and he looked to be in pain while clutching the armrest of a chair,” The Sun reported late last night. “His fingers are also seen to be twitching as he held a pen and gripped a cup believed to contain a cocktail of painkillers.”
However, responding to questions about the reports the Kremlin put out a statement Friday morning denying it. “No,” Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response when asked about revelations from the story. “He is in excellent health,” Peskov added.