Sinister reason behind Vladimir Putin's unusual walk could be linked to the KGB

Vladimir Putin appears to have shown signs of a distinctive walk, which could be linked to KGB training.

Analysis of his walk appears to show Putin walking with a clear rigid leg and a right arm that remains stiff.

Meanwhile Putin's left arm swings at his side.

Researchers have suggested it could be linked to weapons training he received while part of the Soviet KGB - where he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel before the Soviet Union broke up.

Researchers, based in Portugal, Italy, and the Netherlands, wrote: “According to this manual, KGB operatives were instructed to keep their weapon in their right hand close to their chest and to move forward with one side, usually the left, presumably allowing subjects to draw the gun as quickly as possible when confronted with a foe."

It comes after suggestions Putin has been taking steroids which may make him more aggressive.

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Researchers say his walk could be linked to weapons training he received while part of the KGB (AFP/Getty Images)

Former foreign secretary Lord David Owen said he suspects steroid use due to changes in the shape of Putin's face, which could be caused by muscle-boosting drugs.

Lord Owen told Times Radio: "Look at his face, see how that has changed - he now has an oval face.

"People who said, oh, it's plastic surgery or Botox, I don't believe that at all.

"He's on either anabolic steroids as a bodybuilder - and he's very proud of his muscles and strips to the waist and everything like that - or he's on corticosteroids.

"If you're on these drugs, this gives you this face.

Analysis of his walk appears to show Putin walking with a clear rigid leg and a right arm that remains stiff (Tass/PA Images)

KGB operatives were instructed to keep their weapon in their right hand close to their chest (Getty Images)

"It reduces your immunity and makes you more vulnerable to Covid.

"This man has been in complete isolation, quite extraordinary, won't see anybody, stays miles away, tremendous pressures.

"Which indicates he's on a steroid and probably, maybe, a combination of both."

Lord Owen said the anabolic steroids can increase a person's aggression.

It comes after experts fear the Covid-19 pandemic scrambled Vladimir Putin ’s mental health, sparking the paranoia which led to the invasion of Ukraine.

It comes after suggestions Putin has been taking steroids which may make him more aggressive (Zuma Press/PA Images)

The Russian president had limited contact with people during the worst of the events of the last two years, with those in his very inner circle having to isolate before being granted an audience.

Putin’s insistence he ordered troops into his peaceful neighbour's territory to protect people subjected to bullying and genocide- of which there is no evidence- has fuelled fears for his mental health.