Russian President Vladimir Putin to resign amid Parkinson’s concerns, reports say

Reports coming out of the Kremlin suggest that Vladimir Putin’s 20-year reign may be coming to an end.

According to Kremlin observers, the 68-year-old leader is set to resign in early 2021, over concerns that he may have Parkinson’s disease.

The Sun reports that Putin’s mistress, Alina Kabaeva, has been insisting that he resign.

Several observers have noted that recent footage of Putin appears to show his legs constantly moving and his fingers trembling and, in some videos, he appears to be in pain while holding onto the armrest of a chair.

Moscow political scientist Professor Valery Solovei recently fueled speculation by suggesting that Putin is showing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

“There is a family, he has a great influence on him. He intends to make his transfer plans public in January,” Solovei said.

Speculation has also been fueled by the fact that legislation introduced by Putin is currently being rushed through parliament, to guarantee immunity from prosecution and state benefits for former presidents, for life.

The bill, which is currently in parliament, would grant immunity to any former president from criminal proceedings committed during his lifetime.

It’s the second bill this week addressing special provisions for former Russian presidents, further fueling speculation of an imminent resignation.

Kremlin officials have downplayed the claims.