Putin’s recent New Year’s address has fueled speculation about his alleged demise and the potential use of AI-generated imagery of the Russian president. The address, broadcast across Russia before nightfall, triggered a wave of allegations regarding Putin’s unusual and seemingly artificial appearance.
Accusations surfaced suggesting that Putin’s features appeared manipulated, with claims that his nose seemed out of place. The speech featured an AI-rendered version of Putin standing in front of the snow-covered Kremlin walls, praising Russian citizens for their unity and resilience. He emphasized the importance of solidarity in tackling challenges and expressed unwavering unity among the people.
Following the broadcast, concerns were raised by Ukrainian citizen Mykhalo Golub, who pointed out discrepancies in Putin’s physical presentation, particularly focusing on his neck in a circulated video on social media. The speculation intensified with suggestions that the New Year’s message from Putin may have been computer-generated, raising doubts about the authenticity of his appearance and demeanor.
Activists further fueled the controversy by highlighting inconsistencies in Putin’s movements and physical attributes, such as his chest movements appearing incongruent with his overall posture. Questions were also raised about the alleged superimposition of Putin’s nose onto an unidentified individual in formal attire.
Notably, Igor Sushko from the Wind of Change Research Group (WCRG) remarked on social media that Putin’s address seemed to be digitally created, drawing attention to peculiarities in the avatar’s spinal region. This development led to speculations about the Kremlin’s motives behind such a presentation, with Sushko labeling it as “ridiculous.”
The use of lower-resolution video quality for the address compared to previous years further fueled suspicions about the authenticity of the broadcast. These events added to existing rumors in Russia regarding the potential use of body doubles for Putin, with claims suggesting that the president’s physical attributes, movements, and speech patterns have been scrutinized using AI analysis, indicating the possible presence of multiple stand-ins.
Despite official denials and efforts to dispel rumors, doubts persist about the true status of Putin, including unverified reports of his demise and the alleged utilization of body doubles by the Russian leadership. Recent investigations and analyses, including facial recognition technology and body language assessments, have contributed to the ongoing debate surrounding Putin’s public appearances and the authenticity of his interactions with foreign dignitaries.
The evolving narrative surrounding Putin’s presence and the perceived discrepancies in his public engagements have sparked international interest and speculation, with Ukrainian intelligence officials suggesting that the real Putin may not have been seen since a specific date in 2022. Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence, noted the last confirmed sighting of the individual believed to be Putin, further deepening the intrigue surrounding the Russian president’s current status.
