“Where Did They Order the Clones From?”: Researchers Think Putin Might Be Using Body Doubles

Amy LewisNov 15, 2023

Minute Read

In a world where appearances are everything, it seems that even the most powerful leaders might not be who they seem—or, at least, that’s what some are beginning to claim about Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. The rumor mill has been spinning with suggestions that Putin has been using body doubles for public appearances, especially during the tense times of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Now, a team of Japanese researchers has brought new evidence into the spotlight, causing a global stir.

The Research Techniques Explained

The researchers used a suite of high-tech tools, including facial recognition and voice comparison technologies. They used these tools to dissect the President’s public appearances carefully. This has led to revelations that suggest the existence of multiple individuals portraying Putin.

AI Uncovers Surprising Patterns

The researchers’ use of artificial intelligence may have uncovered what could be one of the most intriguing political strategies of the century. The technology has identified significant differences in various recordings and appearances of the Russian leader. This suggests that audiences may have been seeing more than one person.

Identifying the Authentic Leader

Editorial credit: Aynur Mammadov/Shutterstock.

In a sea of uncertainty, the researchers said that Putin’s presence at the Victory Day parade was authentic. This single verified appearance contrasts sharply with others. It has also naturally raised questions with some about the reality of Putin’s presence at other high-profile events.

Discrepancies in Appearances

When images and footage of Putin from various events are analyzed side by side, the differences are too significant to ignore. These findings make it hard to believe that all appearances were made by the same man. It suggests that the Russian President’s image is being carefully managed.

The Mystery of Multiple Putins

The chatter about Putin’s potential doubles has not only taken Russia by storm but also captured global curiosity. The Japanese researchers’ analysis has sparked discussions in every corner, from coffee shops to online forums. As they present new findings, the distinction between fact and fiction blurs further, leaving the world to wonder about the truth.

Social Media Sparks Debate

Anton Gershenko’s posts have lit up the internet, drawing eyes and opinions from across the globe. His detailed description of the research has resonated with many, sparking debates and theories about the credibility and implications of such claims. This discussion has elevated the issue from a whisper to a roar in public conversations.

Silence from the Kremlin

As these claims gain traction, the lack of response from Russian officials only intensifies the intrigue. The anticipation for an official comment grows by the day. However, the Russian presidential press office has remained a silent fortress amid the barrage of questions and global media attention.

Stark Differences in Eastern Ukraine

Vladimir Putin — Image Credit: plavi011/Shutterstock.

When footage of Putin’s visit to Mariupol was made public, it was clear that there were many differences in his physical profile. The individual in the video bore discrepancies in gait, posture, and mannerisms compared to archival footage of Putin. These findings have heightened suspicions that a body double may have been used for a visit fraught with symbolic and political significance, especially given Mariupol’s high-profile status in the conflict.

The Technology’s Tale

The researchers used sophisticated facial recognition algorithms that were capable of sifting through minute details of an individual’s facial features. When applied to various instances of Putin’s public appearances, the match percentages were startlingly low. This suggests significant inconsistencies.

Health or Hoax?

The lack of transparency about the President’s physical condition fuels ongoing rumors. The fact that such theories have gained traction reflects the unease about potential instability at the top of the Russian government. Should these rumors be true, the consequences for Russian politics and international relations could be huge.

Specialists Weigh In

Renowned expert Shinji Hyodo’s statement underscores a collective fascination with the potential use of a body double by one of the world’s most-watched leaders. “I personally found it interesting that a lot of people were saying that the person visiting Mariupol was not Putin himself,” Hyodo remarked. It is clear there is much confusion about this.

The Enigma of Putin’s Voice

Researchers also explored the complexities of his vocal signatures. They used advanced phonetic analysis and voice biometrics to compare various recordings. Variations in pitch, timbre, and modulation patterns concerned the team. These vocal elements are typically as unique to an individual as fingerprints.

Vocal Characteristics Questioned

Mutsutoshi Muraoka, an AI expert, spoke about the unusual differences in Putin’s voice. She said, “There is a difference in the recording conditions, as well as the utterance as it is, but still, it is extremely rare to have such strong differences.” This distinct observation adds another layer of mystery to the ongoing investigation.

Hollywood Stars

Editorial credit: Evan El-Amin/Shutterstock.

The internet has exploded with reactions to the speculative claims of Putin using body doubles. One user said, “If Trump ever got a body double, it would most likely be someone who looks more like Trump would want to see himself. You know, Robert Redford, for example.” Clearly, many people are wondering about the vanity and surrealism in the politics of high-profile leaders.

Skepticism of Claims

Some users have been critical of the idea that this proves Putin is dead or otherwise incapacitated. One user said, “I have a hard time believing that he is actually dead. I’d imagine there would be some big power shake-ups within Russia or at least some form of internal drama if he actually did die and Russia chose to keep it a secret.”

Using Aid

Amid the debates on the reliability of human versus artificial intelligence in recognizing faces, one critical user said, “With all the hoopla about AI, why don’t we let AI do its thing instead of human facial recognition experts?” They questioned the potential overreliance on technology in matters with significant political consequences.

Bigger Conspiracies

Editorial credit: OogImages/Shutterstock.

The revelations about Putin’s potential doubles have sparked a broader conspiracy theory, with comments such as “How many do the Clintons, Obamas, Bidens, Trumps, Pelosis, on and on have? Biden has been a mask or a clone the entire time.” This reflects a deep-rooted cynicism and distrust among certain people regarding their political figures.

Clear Belief

Some users believed the claims. One user said, “Why do you think he sits at meeting tables twenty feet from the other participants?” Another user joked, “Where did they order the clones from? We need a smarter president.” One user said, “Body doubles are not that accurate. You can come close but still tell the difference.”