Vladimir Putin has reappeared in public after a mysterious absence from live events — prompting speculation about his health and movements.

The Russian president was last seen publicly on February 5, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. He resurfaced on February 18, inspecting an exhibition linked to the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and holding video meetings. He was seen the same day, holding an online meeting of his government. But questions are swirling over the 73-year-old dictator’s whereabouts during his absence, which was “proved” by a withering Kremlin houseplant and his deputy premier’s manicure. The vanishing act came amid the war with Ukraine, as peace moves were underway.

Independent outlet Sistema claims that during the almost two-week period, the Kremlin relied on so-called “canned footage” — pre-recorded meetings with officials released later as if current. These gave the allegedly false impression that Putin was ever-present at his desk.

According to the publication, at least seven meetings broadcast from February 9 were likely recorded earlier, making a 10-day absence, although there are suspicions he could have been away since February 6 – a 13-day gap.

In Putin’s Kremlin office, two aglaonema houseplants sit. Sistema claims one leaf visibly yellowed between late January and early February — yet in footage released from February 9 onward, the same plant appeared green and healthy again. “Plants can’t reverse time,” the outlet wrote, suggesting the meetings were filmed in advance.

Another detail cited was Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova’s nail polish in footage when she met Putin dated February 10.

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She wore a dusty pink manicure — yet at public events immediately before and after, her nails were a brighter shade. Sistema suggested this indicated the meeting had been recorded earlier in the month.

The outlet also claimed that in one clip, Putin appeared to slightly muffle certain consonants — similar to how he spoke during his February 5 appearance.

Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which often publishes insider claims about the Russian elites, alleged that Putin had been hiding outside Moscow and that a foreign trip was abruptly cancelled during this period. “The day before the ‘disappearance’ the entire presidential pool and protocol staff were placed under quarantine,” said the channel.

“Putin had planned to fly abroad, but the plans suddenly changed. Everyone was stood down and sent home. What exactly happened — no one knows.”

The Kremlin has not publicly addressed the speculation, failing to respond to a Sistema request for comment.

There has been no official confirmation of illness, travel, or any interruption to presidential duties. Putin’s periods away from live public appearances have previously fuelled rumours about his health. The Kremlin has consistently denied such claims.