British intelligence bosses claim Russian President Vladimir Putin may already be dead with a body double taking his place, according to reports.
Speculation is mounting Putin's health has been declining, with footage showing him shaking uncontrollably, which sparked Parkinson's rumours.
There have also been reports he underwent surgery to remove fluid from his abdomen, while rumours also circulated he has abdominal cancer.
The Kremlin insists Putin is in good health despite the rumours, but a British intelligence source said they were sceptical and it is possible he may already be dead.
"Putin is very ill and when he dies his death will be kept secret for weeks, if not months," the British intelligence source told the English tabloid The Daily Star.
"There is also the possibility that he is already dead. It’s impossible to know. It is believed that Putin has employed body doubles in the past when he has been unwell and the Kremlin could be doing so now."
The source said Putin has a tight-knit team around him, and if his death was announced, it could have a major impact on the Ukraine invasion.
"Putin is the head of a small group of senior officials who are completely loyal to him," the source said.
"The real fear is that once his death is announced there could be a Kremlin coup and Russian generals will want to withdraw from Ukraine."
The source also told the Daily Star a body double may have attended the Victory Day parade, while many of his TV interviews and addresses may have been pre-recorded.
