Russian President Vladimir Putin has “health problems” and may have even had a “mini-stroke”, a former Kremlin speechwriter tells the Daily Express.

Speculation surrounding Putin’s health has raged on for years, with claims of health issues ranging from Parkinson’s to even cancer.

Abbas Gallyamov, who worked as Putin’s speechwriter during his first two terms as president up until 2008, believes his former boss showed signs of more serious health issues two years ago.

He told the Daily Express: “He definitely has some problems.

“Journalists are writing about cancer, but what we saw back in 2022 looked more like the consequences of a mini-stroke.”

The Russian despot was seen shaking “uncontrollably” during a meeting with Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Footage showed Putin walking stiffly and shaking as he walked to greet his key ally.

Mr Gallyamov’s comments come as Putin prepares to speak with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Mr Trump told reporters that Tuesday’s call will focus on “land and power plants” while discussions were ongoing over “dividing up certain assets”.

Last week, Putin said he accepts the proposals of a ceasefire but warned that “there are questions that we need to discuss.”

He continued: “We need to negotiate with our American colleagues and partners,” he said. “Maybe I’ll have a call with Donald Trump.”

Putin added: “It will be good for the Ukrainian side to achieve a 30-day ceasefire.

“We are in favour of it, but there are nuances.”

The Independent reported this week that Ukraine has set out its own red lines for a ceasefire.

They include: No further territory to be ceded, the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, the return of thousands of civilians illegally held by Russia, and a need for international security guarantees.