Putin reportedly soiled himself and fell down stairs as speculation over worsening health grows

There has been speculation about Putin's health for months

Vladimir Putin reportedly fell down the stairs and soiled himself this week amid mounting speculation that his health is declining. An anti-Kremlin Telegram channel with apparent links to his security team reported that the Russian president suffered the fall at his Moscow residence on Wednesday evening. According to the Telegram channel “'General SVR', which purports to be run by a former Russian spy, the ailing Russian leader fell down five steps before landing on his coccyx, or tailbone. Although his security guards immediately rushed to his aid, the impact of the fall caused Putin to “involuntarily defecate” due to “cancer affecting his stomach and bowels,” according to the channel. The alleged incident is the latest health scare for Putin, with rumours already swirling that he is suffering from cancer and Parkinson's disease. “Three bodyguards helped the president get to the nearest couch and summoned medics, who are on duty at the residence,” General SVR said. “Nothing critical [was diagnosed], the president’s condition closer to nighttime was stable, he can get around on his own, with pain in the coccyx area while sitting being the only thing that bothers him.” The post said that a special investigation was being carried out to determine the cause of the president’s fall. [caption id="attachment_369287" align="alignnone" width="2048"] A number of sources have claimed this year that Putin's health is deteriorating (Getty)[/caption] The famously-paranoid Russian leader reportedly wears slip-proof shoes, and stairs in the official residence had been deemed safe. “As it turns out, all precautions could be in vain when the nerves are shot,” the message concluded. It's not the first time General SVR has made claims about the 69-year-old's health. Earlier this year, the channel said that Putin needed "urgent medical assistance" after experiencing a "sharp sickness." "A week ago, the president was preparing to answer the questions of the Russian citizens in late June-early July," said the channel. "But his doctors advised him not to make any lengthy public appearances in the near future." For months, there has been speculation about Putin's health, but because of the Kremlin's secretive nature the reports have never been confirmed or denied. In June, Ukrainian officials claimed the Russian leader was battling numerous "grave" illnesses. The head of the Ukrainian intelligence service, General Kyrylo Budanov said that he thought Putin would succumb to his illnesses within two years. And FSB defector Boris Karpichkov has previously spoken to the Sunday Times regarding Putin's health, claiming that he is suffering from "a severe form of rapidly progressing cancer." Karpichkov's reports seemingly match Budanov's, with both suggesting he has just years to live. Related links:

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