Vladimir Putin 'appointed young successor' as experts warn he could be even more brutal

Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine devastated a country and his own troops are said to have suffered heavy losses. As speculation about his health continues, some wonder if there is a successor available

Speculation arose after Putin was spotted with a mystery man in May (

Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Rumours about Vladimir Putin's successor linger as war in Ukraine and speculation about the Russian president's health continue.

Dmitry Kovalev is rumored to be a potential successor and theories about him surfaced after he was seen talking to Putin during the May 9 victory parade.

Kovalev, 36, shares Putin's love of ice hockey and holds an important position in the Kremlin.

The Baza Telegram channel reported: "He is responsible for one of the departments of the presidential administration.

"There are a lot of hockey photos on Kovalev's page. It is possible that he met Putin because of their mutual love for the sport. Many people have been reported as Putin's successors. So here are pictures of another such candidate."

There is a lot of speculation about a possible successor and the name of Dmitry Kovalev has been thrown in the ring

Moscow Rules book author Keir Giles told the Express that a successor could be worse for the West.

He said, "They would make Russia's relationship with the West, and with its own people, even worse than what Putin did in the last years of his rule."

Other potential successors include Nikolai Patrushev, 70, the head of Putin's security council.