The Kremlin recently released a video featuring President Vladimir Putin struggling with throat issues, which was promptly deleted from its official Telegram channel just four minutes after being published. Jussi Lassila, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, suggests there are three possible reasons for the rapid retraction of the video. Notably, Putin can be seen coughing and gesturing at his throat while delivering a message celebrating International Women's Day, an attempt by the Kremlin to present him as an approachable leader rather than a figure resembling the authoritarian leaders of the Soviet era.

Lassila posits that one explanation for the deletion could be an effort to manage the public perception of Putin. The Kremlin may be afraid that showing vulnerability or health issues could evoke comparisons to past Soviet leaders, which would be detrimental to their narrative. This incident is part of a broader strategy to paint Putin in a light that emphasizes his humanity, counteracting any feelings of unease regarding his health or leadership style in the face of increasing scrutiny.

Furthermore, Lassila points out that Putin's coughing is not an isolated incident; he has been seen struggling with similar issues in the past both in recorded messages and live broadcasts. This recurring aspect of his public appearances raises critical questions about the health of Russia's leader and how the Kremlin navigates discussions around his fitness, both physically and in terms of his ability to lead the nation amidst significant geopolitical tensions.