Russian Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter on Sunday, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia attended the services on camera — and the Russian dictator revived speculation about his ill health.
Amid rumors of cancer, Putin seemed to have a new scar on his neck.
Since last year, Putin has been the subject of rumors about thyroid cancer. By appearing with the mark on his neck, Putin stirred speculation about an operation on the thyroid gland, located in the neck.
The Kremlin released the photos of Putin at Easter Mass, but it has denied the rumors of Putin’s health issues.
Take a look —
Scar on Putin’s neck sparks health rumors https://t.co/dJ6aDKVPdT pic.twitter.com/sXBtulAQEl
— New York Post (@nypost) April 18, 2023
'Scar' spotted on Putin's neck heightens speculation https://t.co/uiNknJcJZp pic.twitter.com/CQEnMWzlkZ
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 19, 2023
As far back as 2020, Putin had been seen with a mark on his neck, according to The U.S. Sun‘s review of Russian media.
“In theory, after intubation such a scar can remain, but this is only in theory,” plastic surgeon Amjad Al-Yousef told the Sun at the time. “It often happens that not even a scar remains as the skin heals.”
If not surgery, Putin may simply be seeing his skin loosen with age, according to the surgeon.
“Here is the classic neck of a 68 year old man with low skin strength. With age, skin turgor changes and becomes weaker. Vladimir Putin’s face is very well-groomed, professional cosmetic care is noticeable,” the surgeon continued.
“When we see the perfect face, we naturally begin to pay attention to the skin of the neck. Unfortunately, there are no such effective professional treatments for the neck. While putting a shirt and a tie on, the throat is squeezed, the skin gathers and turns into such a fold.”
Putin turned 70 in October.
The Horn editorial team and the Associated Press contributed to this article.