Putin fears catching ‘Kremlin Covid’ after ordering two cronies to go on sick leave

Vladimir Putin is rumoured to be frightened of a flu infection within the Kremlin.

The Russian president, who is famous for closely guarding his health details, is said to be at risk from a Covid-19 and flu outbreak sweeping through the government.

A Telegram channel known for insider government rumours, VChK-OGPU, said that Putin’s two most senior officials were ordered to go on sick leave after being infected.

The right-hand cronies, Anton Vaino, the head of presidential administration, and his deputy Sergei Kiriyenko, were struck by the illness after reportedly failing tests, according to the Telegram channel.

The Russian president is said to he paranoid about catching coronavirus from his closest allies (Picture: Sputnik/Reuters)

Anyone meeting with Putin is required to have a coronavirus test, and he is said to require even extensive quarantines for officials.

A post said: ‘According to the Kremlin’s version, Vaino and Kiriyenko ‘failed’ COVID and flu tests.

‘These tests are still required for those who meet with Vladimir Putin.’

The Russian president is reportedly neurotic of the risk of Covid and how it could trigger other health problems.

Health rumours regularly swirl around the 73-year-old, particularly whenever Putin is not seen in public for a while.

In May, eagle-eyed viewers questioned his unusual walk during a state visit to China as the president was seen taking one slightly limping step.

But Putin is believed to have become an expert in navigating speculations about his health, something that have been around for more than a decade as he ages.

Putin is said to have opted for a strikingly long, 20-foot table at the height of the Covid pandemic to maintain social distancing (Picture: Sputnik via Reuters)

Rumours about Putin’s health include Parkinson’s disease, heart attack and various cancers on top of plastic surgery and use of body-doubles to mask his death. His representatives have also laughed off claims that he is using a body double.

It comes after Russia made a bizarre nuclear weapon warning to the UK and Nato because of a fictional plot line in a new Sky One miniseries, The Wargame.

The series features real-life politicians like Michael Gove and Nicola Sturgeon in made-up roles leading the UK through a fictional Russian attack, and an ensuing plan to target Kaliningrad in retaliation.

The storyline appears to have gotten under Kremlin’s skin as the official UK Telegram channel posted a thinly veiled threat.

It said: ‘Those advocating plans to blockade or strike Kaliningrad should have no illusions about the consequences. Any British or NATO military action against Russian territory would be met with a response using all means at Russia’s disposal, including nuclear weapons.’

Putin spoke in front of the newly elected Russian parliament today as he officially opened the ninth session of the Duma.

He appeared stern but seemingly in good health as he told MPs Russia ‘cannot run around the world humiliating themselves’ and ‘begging for handouts.’

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