It is often rumored that heads of state resort to (dopplers) or people who are very similar to them to attend on their behalf some public events and events, and it is mostly for security considerations, and perhaps the most prominent president who has recently been subject to such rumors is Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the recent period, users of social networks circulated three pictures of the Russian president, which claim that he uses a double substitute for him in some of his visits.
The pictures, which are published as being taken during late February and March, show changes in the shape of President Putin, especially in the chin area, as the publications were accompanied by a question. “Which one do you think is real?”.
A Reuters report indicated that this publication includes false information regarding the dates and locations of the photos.
After verifying it, it was found that the first photo, which was said to have been taken on February 21, turned out to date back to February of 2020, and it was the Russian News Agency.
Which one do you think is the real one? pic.twitter.com/SV8TVdnUQE
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 20, 2023
The publications show that the second photo was taken on March 18 in Sevastopol and the third on March 19 in Mariupol.
By verifying them, it was found that these photos are from footage of Putin’s visit to the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which was occupied by Russian forces.
The Reuters report confirms, according to what was told to the Arab Desk, that the video clips that were published for Putin’s visit in Mariupol show him wearing the same coat.
State television showed plenty of footage of Putin walking around the city on Saturday, meeting with relocated residents.
The port city of Mariupol became known around the world as a synonym for death and destruction, as most of it was reduced to rubble during the first months of the war, and finally fell to Russian forces in May.
Putin’s visit was a sign of defiance after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him on Friday, accusing him of committing a war crime by deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine.
