President Vladimir Putin is renowned for never wanting to show weakness, but a now-deleted video from the Kremlin has raised concerns.Over the years, promotional photos of the Russian leader, 73, have featured him riding horses, fishing in a forest, or carrying a rifle, all while shirtless.Keen to project an image of alpha masculinity, the new video is at odds of this image of perfect health that Putin and his team are at pains to portray.A video was shared on the Kremlin’s Telegram channel over the weekend to mark International Women’s Day, but it was quickly deleted and replaced with an edited version.

In the original, according to The Moscow Times, Putin was seen coughing and spluttering as he tried to give a speech, adding to the list of supposed health concerns the Russian President has faced over the years.In the now-deleted video, Putin is seen struggling over his words, before pointing at his throat and saying hoarsely to the person behind the camera: “You know, let me say that again, because… my throat’s a bit scratchy. Yes, a bit scratchy. I almost started coughing. I’ve been talking a lot today.”After the false start, Putin then gave a speech to mark International Women’s Day, which is of particular importance in Russia.The day served as a key moment in the 1917 Revolution.Putin’s speech said: “A generous, compassionate and truly wise feminine soul makes the world a better and kinder place, and a mother’s love remains in every person’s heart for life.”