Putin rumored struck with abdominal cancer, facing surgery

Rumors flying in the West over the weekend claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin, at 69, faces surgery for abdominal cancer while moreover suffering from advancing Parkinsons. These rumors are not verified from any reliable source.  It is further claimed that Nikolai Patrushev, 70, the shadowy head of the national security council, is on standby to succeed Putin. Patrushev, widely considered the architect of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is believed to be pushing hard for the conquest of Kiev.