The Mysterious Vanishing of Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made significantly fewer public appearances in the past year, raising questions about his health and intentions as he is expected to announce his bid for a fifth term as president. An investigation by independent media outlet Proekt found that Putin spent only 147 days in public from November 2022 to October 2023. He has conducted many meetings virtually and maintained distance from others in person, prompting speculation about COVID-19 concerns. The reduced public presence is unusual given the upcoming presidential elections in 2024.