Vladimir Putin's Arm Appears To Hang Limp As He Emerges From Plane In Tehran

Russian President Vladimir Putin was caught on video wobbling down the steps of his jet that touched down in Iran on Tuesday. The leader stepped onto the red carpet shuffling and limping as he was welcomed by waving crowds at the Mehrabad airport, sparking even more speculation on his rumored failing health. His visit to Tehran is a scheduled meeting with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to discuss weapons exchange and boost strategic war plans between the two nations in their campaign against Western sanctions.

This is not the first time the leader has been seen struggling with his public appearances. In his previous TV appearances, questions have been raised on the possibility that he may be struggling with Parkinson’s, cancer or early onset of dementia. He has recently been caught on camera looking puffy-faced, or persistently trying to grip onto tables and chairs to keep his hands and feet from shaking.

This time, Kremlin observers say his right arm appeared to be limp by his side as he trudged down the red carpet. Oddly enough, his watch was in his right hand although he is right-handed. His steps seemed unsteady but managed to wave briefly at the gathered crowd before leaving the tarmac with this presidential convoy, The Sun reported.

This is the second time the leader has made a trip outside of Russia since launching his “special military operations” in Ukraine five months ago. His meeting with Khameini comes following warnings from the U.S. last week that Iran has made preparations to sell drones to Russia. The said drones will be used in Ukraine to beef up its military operations.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Moscow is in line to receive hundreds of combat drones from Tehran with Iranian soldiers providing the training of Russian forces on how to man the drones. The lessons are reportedly set to commence in a few weeks.

On June 8 and July 5, the White House said a Russian delegation was sent to Iran to inspect the drones. These are said to have the capacity to engage in direct artillery fire and destroy Ukrainian military equipment. In exchange for these drones, Russia will offer military assistance, but what these may involve is yet to be determined