Putin health update: Body language expert shares insight on Russian President's condition

The sit-down marks the first time the Russian president has agreed to an interview with a Western journalist since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began nearly two years ago.

Despite the rumours, James said that Putin’s demeanour during the two-hour interview showed that his health was robust.

Speaking to GB News, she said: “Putin showed no signs of any waning energy levels during this talk that lasted over two hours.

“He did clear his throat several times and he did sip some water but given he was talking almost non-stop that would have been a natural response.”

She also said that his gestures used throughout the interview, which was filmed in front of a snowy Kremlin, demonstrated power and control.

Putin’s reported deteriorating health has made headlines around the world. Earlier this year, leaked documents from Ukraine included unsubstantiated intelligence that the Russian leader was undergoing chemotherapy.

In October 2023, it was claimed Putin had suffered a cardiac arrest in Moscow on October 26, according to Telegram channel General SVR.

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Suspicions have also been raised over the lack of appearances by the President in public over the past 18 months.

Much of Putin's activity has taken place behind closed doors with only pictures and pre-recorded video released afterwards.

Some experts have suggested that Putin has been using body doubles in public appearances due to his crippling health.

AI was used by Japanese TV network TBS to examine his facial features as well as the way he moved, and the investigation found there was only a 53 per cent match to previous footage of the President.

Putin, who spoke in Russian and was dubbed in English during the interview with Carlson, began by giving a length 30-minute speech about his nation’s history.

He then spoke about Russia's relations with Ukraine, Poland and other countries, however, said he had no interest in expanding the war to other European countries.

James commented: “Putin delivered a history lecture with his rounded cheeks and his gestures of authority suggesting he was enjoying every minute of his floor show, while Carlson was shown sitting so frozen and silent that at one point he appeared to have stopped blinking.”

Asked if he could imagine a scenario in which he would send Russian troops to Poland, a Nato member. Putin replied: “Only in one case, if Poland attacks Russia. Why? Because we have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else. Why would we do that? We simply don't have any interest.”

Putin also issued a warning over Elon Musk, saying there was “no stopping” the Tesla and SpaceX CEO following his confirmation that the first human had received a brain implant from Neuralink.

James said that the gestures the Russian president used implied that he was trying to be reasonable.

She contrasted his demeanour with Carlson’s, who she described as looking like an “Oxpecker” – a small bird that commonly sits on the back of a hippo.