Speculation rife whether Russian PM's black eye spotted during recent meeting with Ukrainian leaders was result of judo injury or plastic surgery
Speculation rife whether Russian PM's black eye spotted during recent meeting with Ukrainian leaders was result of judo injury or plastic surgery
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Journalists feverishly speculated that the Russian premier could have taken a punch during a judo session or even had a facelift, after he visited Kiev on Wednesday slathered in war paint.
"Ukrainian, Russian and Western journalists talked only of one thing: How did the Russian prime minister get a black eye?" reported Kommersant business daily's Kremlin correspondent Andrei Kolesnikov.
Easily noticeable
"Could it really be the result of some tough sparring? While it was carefully covered up, it was noticeable to everyone without exception."
While some leaders regularly wear make-up for televised meetings, Putin has always stayed barefaced in the past, journalists said.
Putin arrived for talks with Ukrainian leaders in a "bad mood" and with "something like a big bruise on his left cheekbone. He also had on his face a very noticeable swelling," reported Ukrainian television channel TCH.
"It was all badly covered up with make-up."
Journalists noted that a news conference where the leaders were expected to discuss talks in detail was cut short and a planned dinner was cancelled.
Ukraine's Levy Bereg weekly speculated that Putin could have had cosmetic surgery.
"Did Putin have a facelift?" it asked in a headline. The Russian premier could also have had teeth extracted, it added. "Or maybe he had an unfortunate judo session."
'Misunderstanding'
Putin's spokesman said the incident was a misunderstanding, claiming that the light had fallen awkwardly. He said Mr Putin was simply tired because he had recently "been working a great deal and was always travelling".
Putin's minders are sensitive to any suggestions that their charge might not be in full health as speculation builds that he may decide to run for president again in 2012.
Judo DVD
In a 2008 DVD titled Let's Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin, the Russian PM says, "The philosophy of judo envisages attaining the best possible result through small but effective efforts.
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In a judo bout, compromises and concessions are permissible but only in one case: if it is for victory."
The DVD has the former Russian president sharing his favourite judo moves with viewers, who are intended to be young Russians learning the Japanese martial art.
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