Following the recent high-profile meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska, social media has been buzzing with speculation over the Russian leader’s appearance. Many users on X suggested that Putin may have been represented by a body double, while others focused on his unusual leg movements, dubbing them “jelly legs.”

Netizens pointed out that Putin, who is shorter than US president, was possibly wearing shoes designed to add height in an attempt to reduce the apparent height difference. Russian news outlets were quickly reporting on what appeared to be unsteady movements of the Russian leader. The Times of Ukraine wrote: “Attention: Putin's legs. What is wrong with them?” Similarly, Telegram channel Nevzorov commented, “Putin seems to have achieved his goal, but he is twitching suspiciously. His legs are ‘shaking.’ Maybe his shoes are tight.”

The event soon sparked an outburst of conspiracy theories on the internet. There were speculations by some users that a body double had represented Putin at the summit. Such assertions, although widespread in talk regarding high-profile political leaders, are hard to confirm. Politicians and statesmen throughout history have often been at the centre of gossip about public outings, but proof has long been scarce.

Ukrainian intelligence has previously suggested that Putin uses body doubles to avoid public scrutiny. In a 2020 interview, Putin himself dismissed such rumours, asserting that the claims were baseless.

One X user said, “Look at the last step he takes when he reaches out his hand to Trump. That’s not how he walks. Usually, he drags one leg a little, but here it looks more like an attempt to imitate that walk and he nearly tripped and fell. Last but not least, Putin doesn't show any emotions.” Another user said, “Putin moved his legs uncontrollably during his meeting with Trump. The spasms could indicate neurological problems, metabolic imbalances, or side effects of medications. Or Parkinson's disease. The mofo is really sick.”

A third user said, “I guess Russia was so overjoyed to have a clip of Krasnov fawning over Putler that they didn't mind openly showing Putler's wobbly leg condition.”