In a video that the Kremlin quickly deleted, Vladimir Putin can be seen coughing uncontrollably during a speech marking International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8.

The recording, subsequently published by The Telegraph, immediately raised renewed questions about the Russian president’s health.

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According to The Telegraph, the video was only visible for a few minutes. However, that was enough to spark a wave of commentary about Vladimir Putin’s health.

In a video posted on the Kremlin’s official Telegram channel and then deleted shortly afterward on Sunday, March 8, the Russian president is seen delivering a speech on International Women’s Day. Halfway through, he is forced to abruptly stop due to a persistent coughing fit. In the video, shared by a British newspaper, the 73-year-old leader suddenly stops, puts his hand to his neck, and tries to clear his throat.

Then, for almost 30 seconds, the head of state seemed to struggle to regain his composure, repeatedly clearing his throat and coughing. “You know, I’ll repeat this because my throat hurts a bit. I almost started coughing. I talked a lot today,” he finally explained to the camera. The original recording, about four minutes long, was posted on the secure messaging app Telegram and then deleted without official explanation. About 20 minutes later, the Kremlin press office released a new version of the speech, half its length. In the edited clip, Vladimir Putin appeared completely at ease, celebrating women who, in his words, can “captivate with beauty and charm, while demonstrating hard work, determination, and resilience.”