ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
The Kremlin has confirmed months of speculation that President Vladimir Putin is not well.
In a post shared to the Kremlin’s official TikTok account, the Russian leader has come clean with the world regarding his recent diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Humans with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
The brave message shared on social media touches on many parts of Putin’s battle with the condition.
“It makes sense of the last 40 years,” said Putin.
“And explains some of my terrible behaviour.”
Putin finished by telling his followers that he was a “work in progress” and that he’d work on being a better person.
Some world leaders have thrown their support behind the embattled president, who blames the recent invasion of Ukraine on his ADHD and his inability to keep still.
Most recently, Putin said the sabotage of the Nord 2 gas pipeline off the Danish coast was done because of his impatience to plunge Europe into war.
“It’s been a struggle,” said Putin.
“But we’ll get there in the end.”
EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed Putin’s bravery but stopped short of congratulating him for his candid honesty.
“When I first saw Putin’s TikTok,” she said.
“I thought it was in poor taste. I thought it was a joke. But the Kremlin assures me it’s from the heart, so we have to support him.”
More to come.
