Large mark seen on Putin’s hand in back-to-school greeting raises questions

A video message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the beginning of the school year on September 1, appeared to display a noticeable mark on his left hand. Medical professionals who examined the footage suggested the mark could be consistent with an injection site, according to The Moscow Times. In the video, a relatively large dark spot is visible on Putin's backhand, which he occasionally covers with his right hand when gesturing.

Three practicing doctors interviewed by the publication stated that the mark was likely the result of an unsuccessful "intravenous intervention," with one ambulance doctor from Moscow describing it as a "three-day-old hematoma after an injection." Another intensive care physician likened the mark to a "sloppy injection." However, a cardiologist with over 50 years of experience suggested that the hand is not the conventional site for injections, typically recommending the crook of the elbow due to easier access to larger, more visible veins.

The mark on Putin's hand was also evident in a greeting for Miner's Day on August 30, but not in footage from his meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on September 1, nor during a meeting with teachers at Moscow City Pedagogical University on August 29. At the latter meeting, Putin made a bewildering statement comparing the 'food chain' of nature to the war in Ukraine, saying "orcas eat bears like small fry," implying the orcas attack bears in packs.