The appearance of Vladimir Putin’s hands in his latest public appearance has reignited debate about the state of the Russian leader’s health.

Viewers noticed ‘bulging veins’ and a ‘swollen’ look on the 73-year-old’s fists, which he kept clenched in an odd position during a meeting with the chair of a Russian youth sports programme.

The skin on his hands also appeared considerably more wrinkled and discoloured than on other parts of his body.

Footage of the moment sparked speculation on social media, with some arguing it could be another sign of a neurological condition such as Parkinson’s.

Ukrainian TV host Dmytro Gordon said: ‘Putin clenches his hands into something resembling fists.

‘They look swollen and sore, with veins bulging prominently on one hand.’

Former Ukrainian interior

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