A video is going viral on Russian social media claiming that Vladimir Putin is using a lookalike for trips he doesn’t want to take.

According to the Daily Mail, he exploits speculation that the Kremlin president’s only trip so far to the newly occupied territory of Mariupol was carried out by a “look-alike”.

Differences are noted in the shape of the ear, but also the occasional absence of a small mole on his face.

While it is also widely believed that Putin has had plastic surgery.

Dritan Hoti, professor of International Relations, said in an interview for Euronews Albania that based on Putin’s previous career as a KGB officer and paranoia due to the war, this could be possible. But so far it is unproven for both Putin and other important personalities who are rumored to have used the sozi.

“There was also such an allusion to Zelenski, who is said to use a sozi, there were interpretations from an Indian newspaper about Melanie Trump as well. They have never been tried. As a former KGB officer he is afraid of traps, such a person can use a sozi on trips that can carry danger to him. The possibility is not excluded, Putin has developed preparatory paranoia in the face of a trap,” said the expert.