Russian President Vladimir Putin is delaying his annual marathon phone-in for the primary time in almost twenty years and knowledgeable Anders Åslund thinks the transfer could possibly be a warning signal the chief is sick.

"Yearly, Putin has a direct line with the Russian inhabitants in June, however not this 12 months," Åslund, a Swedish economist who has served as an financial adviser to the Russian authorities prior to now, tweeted on Wednesday. "That is one other signal that his well being just isn't good, as a result of these occasions that final 3-4 hours are fairly demanding even when scripted."

The Kremlin introduced this week that Putin would postpone his June occasion for the primary time in 18 years. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reassured state media that whereas a brand new date "has not but been decided," the plans to reschedule are "underway."

Putin has held a direct line with the Russian public yearly since 2001, with the Russian president lacking one 12 months in 2004 whereas he was at a large-scale press convention within the Kremlin.

"Each from a technical and substantive viewpoint. This can be a very complicated, voluminous occasion. Subsequently, routine preparations are underway, however it'll enter the ultimate stage after the deadlines are set," Peskov informed the press on Wednesday.

Putin additionally postponed his deal with to Russia's Federal Meeting again in April with no new date set.

Speculations round Putin's well being have continued to flow into as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues into its fourth month.

Though the Kremlin has remained hush about Putin's well-being and denied any severe sicknesses, many all over the world have questioned if the Russian chief is sick with most cancers or Parkinson's illness.

Putin Health Delay Event
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday canceled his annual phone-in occasion with on a regular basis Russian residents for the primary time in 18 years. Putin appears on in the course of the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Video games in Beijing, China, on February 4, 2022. Wang Zhao/AFP

Newsweek reported final week that a labeled U.S. intelligence doc confirmed Putin was handled for most cancers in April. One other video displaying Putin gripping a desk throughout a gathering together with his protection minister earlier this 12 months has additionally sparked rumors that he was attempting to cease himself from shaking.

Russian shops have not too long ago reported that these speculations are being circulated even amongst Russia's elite, who've come to phrases with the truth that the one approach Putin shall be pushed out of workplace is that if he had been struggling extreme well being situations.

Impartial information outlet Meduza mentioned final month that "sources mentioned Russia's elites acknowledge that solely a significant well being concern may drive the president from workplace."

Newsweek reached out to the Russian International Ministry.