In a recent incident that has fueled speculation about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s health, the Kremlin attempted to discreetly remove footage showing him struggling to maintain composure during a public address. This occurrence comes amid growing rumors about the 73-year-old leader’s well-being.

The video captured Putin as he marked International Women’s Day with a pre-recorded speech over the weekend. During the address, he was visibly troubled by a persistent cough and difficulty breathing, interrupting his speech multiple times to clear his throat.

In the uncut version of the footage, Putin can be seen pausing while speaking, coughing repeatedly, and gesturing toward someone off-camera. “You know, let me say that again, because… my throat’s a bit scratchy. Yes, a bit scratchy. I almost started coughing. I’ve been talking a lot today,” he explained, as reported by the Moscow Times.

The original video was initially shared on the Kremlin’s official social media platforms. However, it was swiftly removed just a few minutes later, only to be replaced with an edited version that omitted any evidence of his coughing struggle.

The footage was posted on the Kremlin’s official social media accounts but was abruptly wiped just minutes later.

It was quickly replaced with a shorter version without any signs of Putin’s coughing fit.

The Kremlin insisted the original clip was posted by accident.

Still, the Russian strongman has been plagued by rumors about his ailing health in recent years — including reported strokes, multiple bouts of cancer and even Parkinson’s disease.