Intriguing rumors have recently surfaced regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's health and whereabouts, coupled with startling claims about his luxurious woodland palace, Valdai, situated in central Russia. According to sources including Radar Online and the General SVR Telegram channel, there are allegations that Putin, 71, may have passed away on October 25, with his body purportedly being stored in a freezer at this opulent residence.
These claims, which have been denied by the Kremlin, suggest that a body double of Putin might be acting on his behalf. The General SVR Telegram channel, believed to be operated by a Kremlin insider, initially reported Putin's demise following a heart attack. The channel maintains its stance despite official denials, insisting that Putin's body is "in the freezer at his residence in Valdai."
The Valdai palace itself has been a topic of interest and speculation. An investigation by the Russian opposition media outlet Proekt revealed the grandeur of Putin's alleged abode within Valdai National Park. The park, located between Moscow and St. Petersburg, reportedly features a "golden" mansion and numerous luxurious amenities. These include a spa complex complete with a solarium, cryo chamber, swimming pool, sauna, and various wellness facilities. The property also houses a go-kart track and a children's playground, all under the watchful guard of officers from Russia's FSB security service.
The luxurious estate is said to have been inhabited by Putin, his suspected lover Alina Kabaeva, and their alleged children. Proekt's revelations led to the closure of the area to visitors, with authorities citing "worsening ecological conditions" as the reason. Satellite images and leaked photographs have offered glimpses into the opulence of Putin's alleged hideaway, including a private train station in close proximity.
The bizarre saga adds a layer of intrigue to Russia's political landscape, especially as the country approaches its presidential elections in March next year. The General SVR channel hints at ongoing discussions within the Kremlin's inner circle about the future of Putin's supposed body double, suggesting that he might be used to contest the upcoming polls.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has dismissed these stories as mere fabrications. "These stories belong to the category of fake news, discussed with enviable tenacity by a number of media outlets," Peskov stated, adding that such rumors only bring "a smile in the Kremlin."
Despite official denials, the speculation around Putin's health and the opulent Valdai palace continues to captivate the public's imagination, adding to the myriad of conspiracy theories surrounding one of the world's most enigmatic leaders. As Russia gears up for its next presidential election, these rumors, whether true or not, add an unexpected twist to the political narrative unfolding in one of the world's most powerful nations.
