A bizarre TikTok video has reignited long-standing rumors regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s use of body doubles. The clip shows a man resembling Putin walking unguarded across Red Square, which has left viewers questioning whether the ‘dictator’ is employing lookalikes for public appearances.

The viral clip

The TikTok video features a woman visibly shocked as ‘Putin’ casually strolls behind her, emerging from the Kremlin and heading toward the illuminated GUM department store. The person recording exclaims, “There’s Putin walking….” The woman’s surprise is evident as she covers her mouth and mockingly calls out ‘Grandpa?’—a nickname for Putin, who turns 72 on Monday.

Notably absent in the video is Putin’s usual security entourage. The real president rarely appears without a formidable team of armed guards and his nuclear briefcase. While resembling Putin, the man in the video lacks the leader’s distinctive duck-like shuffle and “gunslinger’s gait.”

Social media frenzy

Uploaded by 20-year-old Diana Pilkevich from Minsk, the video quickly went viral, gathering 7.6 million views within two days. Comments on the clip ranged from humorous to speculative, with one stating, “The double finished his shift,” amassing nearly 300,000 likes.

Persistent rumors

For years, rumors have circulated that Putin uses body doubles, reportedly trained and surgically altered to mimic his demeanor. A Telegram channel, General SVR, even claimed the real Putin died nearly a year ago, replaced by lookalikes controlled by Kremlin security to deceive the world.

Public reactions

The video’s viral nature sparked a variety of reactions. Some commenters sarcastically noted the unusual absence of security, while others speculated about the lookalike’s mundane activities post-appearance. Remarks ranged from disbelief at the idea of an unguarded Putin to jests about him visiting a local store.

As speculation continues, the TikTok video adds another layer to the mystery surrounding Putin’s public appearances. Whether the man in the video is a body double remains a topic of debate, fueling intrigue about the Russian leader’s security measures and public persona.