Putin Stuns Crowd with Rare Meet-and-Greet, Fueling Body Double Rumors

Vladimir Putin met with a cheering crowd and posed for photographs during a rare meet-and-greet in Russia, sparking speculation that he was using a body double.

The Russian president typically observes a fastidious personal security regime, but he broke from convention and interacted with people in the crowd, shaking hands, posing for selfies, and even kissing a girl on the cheek.

The behavior was different from Putin's usual demeanor, leading some to question if it was carried out by a "very good lookalike." Some suggested the unusual display was an attempt by Putin to repair damage to his authority, brought about by an uprising staged by his private army.