An extraordinary report from a Russian website that has since been taken down claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin could soon step down from his position due to ill health.
The website known as Moskovsky Komsomolets (MK), is known to be sympathetic to the Russian seat of government the Kremlin, and put the bombshell up early Friday.

The report claimed the Russian President is suffering from ill health which would lead to him stepping down before next year – with the alarming note sounded by a well respected Russia academic, Mr Solovey, professor at Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs
The report received wide circulation, but got taken down after a few hours – the Russian government refused to comment on it.
Speaking in an interview with the site, Soloyev said Putin would have to restrict public appearances next year.
“The president might need to avoid publicity in 2017 for several months or will appear very rarely.” he said.

“As you see, this hypothetical situation is very nervy from the point of view of Russian policy.” he continued.

Asked if Putin had ‘health problems’ he refused to go any further: “Let me not say more, I have said enough.

“And let me stress once again: this information is not absolutely reliable. Still, it should be considered.”

According to MailOnline, the story was taken down after a few hours even though by then it had received huge patronage.

Taking to social media, Soloyev stood by every word he uttered.

“Before the end of the year, the respected audience will get confirmation of everything mentioned in the much talked-about interview.” he wrote on social media.