According to a new report, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “increasingly erratic behaviour” could be caused by ‘roid rage or a brain disorder such as dementia.

People close to the Kremlin and in positions of power Western intelligence sources told the Mail on Sunday that they believe the Russian despot’s reckless invasion of Ukraine and other bizarre behaviour is due to a medical condition.

“Over the last five years or so, there has been an identifiable change in his decision-making,” an unnamed security source told the Mail.

“Those around him notice a marked change in the cogency and clarity of what he says and how he perceives the world around him,” the source said, adding that Putin is “simply not being briefed” on the Russian army’s failures at the moment.

According to the sources, Putin, 69, could have dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or “roid rage” as a result of potential cancer treatment that includes heavy steroid use. They also pointed to his recent bloated appearance as evidence that he is ill.

Putin is a known hypochondriac who has gone to great lengths to avoid getting COVID-19, including sitting at one end of an extremely long table with other world leaders or his top aides at the other. He has also been seen wearing a full hazmat suit when visiting a Moscow hospital with coronavirus patients.

Some sources told the Mail that his COVID-19 safety precautions are a result of his possible comorbidities.

Putin’s strong physique and physical health have previously been a major part of how he brands himself to the Russian people and the rest of the world, with the Russian president famously appearing shirtless while riding a horse to demonstrate his vigour.