Something 'Wrong with Real Putin': Viewers Question Russian President's Wellbeing, Say New Year's Speech Video Generated By AI

Rumors about the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin are rampant following claims that a "computer-generated image" delivered his New Year address.

The approximately four-minute pre-recorded message, broadcast at different times across Russia's multiple time zones, showcased Putin against a snowy Kremlin backdrop, praising citizens for their "solidarity, mercy and fortitude," the Daily Star reported.

Putin acknowledged the country's armed forces waging war in Ukraine and hailed soldiers as heroes who feel the support of the entire nation.

While the speech's content appeared routine, social media erupted with clips highlighting an anomaly in Putin's appearance.

Activist Igor Sushko from the Wind Of Change Research Group (WCRG) noted the area around Putin's tie, suggesting the use of computer-generated imagery in the address.

Sushko said it was "quite bizarre the Kremlin would do this" and that it will “certainly add to domestic rumors of something being wrong with real Putin,” according to the Daily Star.

Sushko also pointed out that the video, released on the Kremlin's website, was in 360p instead of the usual 720p HD, further raising suspicions among some viewers.

Ukrainian politician Anton Gerashchenko echoed Shushko's observations, and he questioned Putin's appearance around the chin area, which prompted replies suggesting artificial intelligence was used to generate the clip, the Daily Star reported.

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Rumors circulating in Russia have previously speculated that Putin has been replaced by body doubles. The General SVR Telegram Channel, supposedly led by a Kremlin insider, alleged Putin succumbed to health issues in October, with a heart attack cited as the final cause.

The channel claimed Putin's body was stored in the freezer at his Valdai residence, a woodland palace located between St. Petersburg and Moscow. Despite long standing rumors of Putin's serious health concerns, the Kremlin has denied such claims.