Russian President Vladimir Putin's New Year's speech has ignited a fresh wave of speculation about the leader's health. Broadcast before midnight across Russia, the address prompted claims that Putin's appearance seemed abnormal and possibly generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

In the New Year's message, an entity referred to as "AI Putin" appeared against the backdrop of a snow-covered Kremlin, expressing gratitude to Russian citizens for their "solidarity, mercy, and fortitude." Vladimir Putin conveyed a message of unity, asserting that together they could tackle the most challenging problems, emphasizing, "There is no force that can separate us," according to a report from The Sun.

(Photo: GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) In this pool photograph distributed by a Russian state-owned agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his traditional televised New Year's address to the people of Russia in Moscow on December 31, 2023.

Putin's Unusual Appearance Noticed

The controversy began when Ukrainian resident Mykhaïlo Golub shared a clip on social media, circling Putin's neck and suggesting that the New Year greeting might be AI-generated. Activists and users on various platforms joined the discussion, questioning the authenticity of Putin's appearance.

According to some claims, Putin's neck movements appeared out of sync with the rest of his body, leading to speculation that his head was superimposed poorly onto a body. Activist Igor Sushko from the Wind of Change Research Group (WCRG) pointed out, "Putin's New Year's address was computer-generated. Take note of the avatar's neck area."

Sushko raised concerns that the abnormality in Putin's appearance would fuel domestic rumors about the president's health or potential demise. Notably, this year's address was released in 360p, a departure from the previous 720p HD versions, adding another layer to the speculation.

Is Vladimir Putin Body Double Rumors Initiated by Kremlin?

Rumors about Putin using body doubles have circulated for years, prompting investigations and analyses. An AI investigation examining facial features, gait, and speech suggested the use of at least two body doubles. Previous denials by the Kremlin and Putin's spokesperson have done little to quell suspicions.

A Japanese TV network, TBS, utilized AI for facial recognition and body movement analysis, revealing a 53% match between Putin and a potential body double. The Institute of Audio Communication Laboratory in Japan supported claims of doppelgangers through voice analysis.

Russian media outlet Proekt reported that 43% of Putin's public meetings involved the president maintaining a distance, leading to speculation about the use of body doubles. The recent incident involving Putin refusing to stand within 70 feet of Britain's ambassador added another layer to these speculations.

In December, an AI-generated version of Putin appeared during an annual news conference, raising questions about the president's awareness of the use of doubles. Putin responded to the AI-generated version, asserting, "That is my first double, by the way," per Reuters.

Amid the ongoing controversy, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence directorate suggested that the rumors of Putin's death could be orchestrated by the Kremlin to gauge reactions from Russian citizens and various stakeholders.

Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (HUR) spokesman Andriy Yusov said the Russian ruler uses false flags, such as claims of a Putin body double, to see how his alleged friends, the media, Russian elites, and social media users respond to his death. "In this way, the empire, which is built around its security apparatus, is learning how to further manage things," the official remarked, as quoted by Kyiv Post.