The Kremlin denied claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin has doubles who take his place and that he spends most of his time in a nuclear-proof bunker. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, made this statement regarding what he described as fabrications about Russia during a speech discussing "the country's history since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the reasons for the war in Ukraine, and the alleged betrayal by the Western community."
Peskov said, "You may have heard that Putin has many doubles performing his duties while he sits in a bunker," then added with a laugh, "another lie." He continued, "You can see for yourselves how our president looks... he has been and remains very active, and those who work alongside him can hardly keep up." He added, "One can only envy his energy. We wish him continued health, God willing. And of course, he is not hiding. This is also a lie." The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected speculation that Putin, who has governed Russia since 1999, is ill.
