Moscow, Russia (CNN)–Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov touched on the health of President Vladimir Putin in an interview with French radio TF1. The Kremlin, in turn, published the interview on its YouTube channel, the Russian version of YouTube.
“As you know, President Putin appears in public every day. You can see him on television, read his speeches, hear his speeches, I do not think that any sane person can see signs of illness or fatigue in this person,” Lavrov said.
“I leave this to the conscience of those who spread such rumors despite daily opportunities to verify the veracity of the circulating news,” the Russian foreign minister continued.
Some rumors about the Russian president’s health have been circulating for a while, and the Kremlin has often denied their veracity.
It is reported that Putin’s appearance with his Defense Minister Sergei Shoyu sparked speculation weeks ago about the health of the Russian president, who appeared to be holding the table while his face appeared slightly swollen.