New Video Released By Russia Shows Vladimir Putin With ‘IV Marks’ On His Hand Amid Cancer Rumors

A new video reignited rumors that Vladimir Putin is battling cancer as it showed the Russian President with what appeared to be IV track marks on the back of his hand.

Last week, Russia’s Ministry of Defense released a propaganda video that was watched by many people. They spotted a suspicious mark on the Russian leader's right hand as he was grasping a soldier’s arm while visiting a boot camp in the Ryazan region, reported New York Post.

Kyiv Post journalist Jason Jay Smart shared screenshots from the clip on Twitter. The mystery blemish was clearly visible on the Russian leader’s hand. Smart wrote that Russia shared two versions of the video from the President's trip. One had numerous watermarks that obscured the view of the hand. Another was without the image of the hand.

While inspecting the training ground in western Russia, Putin put on a show of supposed strength by firing a sniper rifle at a target. The 70-year-old watched new conscripts’ combat exercises. He was given a tour of their living quarters that was well equipped. He also asked them if they had any concerns. The clip was released by the Ministry of Defense’s Zvezda TV channel. It seemed to counter reports that draftees were being sent to war without proper gear.

The mystery mark on Putin’s hand could not be confirmed as resulting from intravenous treatment. Former Ukraine correspondent Tom Warner suggested that what looks to be an IV mark could be “just a weird angle of bulgey veins.” But the correspondent also drew attention to Putin's “puffy” hands and face. He attributed them to “long-term steroid use," without providing any evidence.

The video comes amid rumors that Putin is suffering from a rare form of cancer. A report said that he had "complained of aching pain" in his stomach, according to Yahoo! News. The Telegram channel General SVR said that Putin complained of "aching pain in the abdominal cavity, which could not be quickly stopped." He is said to have held the meeting leaning forward, "trying to maintain a natural posture.

Putin’s oncology is progressing and, despite adequate treatment lately, the pain is not always completely relieved." The channel claimed that it must be understood that the "deplorable state of the President's physical and mental health affects the adoption of key decisions."