Russian President Vladimir Putin might have cancer, and would possibly undergo surgery soon. This would leave him incapacitated, and Putin will choose a temporary successor. This is what a report in the American publication New York Post has claimed.
The report cited claims made on a Telegram channel purportedly managed by a former Russian Foreign Intelligence Service officer.
Putin has been told by doctors that he needs to undergo an operation. Taking into account the recovery time, Putin might be incapacitated "for a short time", as per the report.
During this time, Nikolai Patrushev, national security council secretary, might run the government in Putin's stead.
The Russian President's health has been in news ever since the Ukraine war began in February. Analysts have claimed Putin has appeared unwell and fidgety in recent times. There have also been claims that Putin might be suffering from Parkinson's disease.