article_snippet: When Russian officials tried to trick the public by passing off old photos as new appearances, speculation about his whereabouts went viral.
article_snippet: The Kremlin has now started pushing harder against the rumors, trying to prove that Russia's foremost -- nay, only -- major political leader, is alive and well.
article_snippet: But on social media, onlookers accused officials of dusting off old images.
article_snippet: Regardless of how or when this speculation ends, this speculation tells us much about the political realities of Russia.
article_snippet: Peskov says Russia is in the grips of a "spring fever" that is causing people to dream up harebrained scenarios.
article_snippet: There are rampant rumors of intrigue inside the Kremlin.
article_snippet: The term "Kremlinology" became the study of intrigue and power machinations in inscrutably dark systems.
highlights_snippet: Speculation about President Vladimir Putin whereabouts went viral as Russian officials posted old photos .