Putin Faces Deepfake Surprise: AI Doppelganger Questions and Kremlin Denials

During his year-end press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin faced an unexpected moment when a citizen, who claimed to be a student from Saint Petersburg, appeared on screen as an AI – generated deepfake of Putin himself.

The student raised questions about rumors surrounding the use of body doubles for security and avoiding health-related inquiries. Translated, the student asked, “Is it true that you have many doppelgangers? How do you view the dangers that artificial intelligence and neural networks bring into our lives?”

Putin, seemingly surprised by the deepfake, responded, “I see you may resemble me and speak with my voice. But only one person must be like me and speak with my voice, and that will be me!” He humorously referred to the incident as his “first twin.”

Despite Kremlin denials, reports from Ukrainian military intelligence, Western media, and independent Russian sources suggest the use of stand-ins for Putin. Japanese researchers recently endorsed these claims, citing AI analysis of Putin’s speeches that indicated the presence of at least two doppelgangers.