Published: 12:12 EST, 16 April 2015

What has he been Putin on his face? How Russian leader Vladimir’s appearance has changed dramatically through the years and he looks younger than ever

Appeared on Russian television today looking tanned and wrinkle-free

Russian president disappeared for 10 days last month with no explanation

Rumours for years that President has undergone facial cosmetic surgery

t’s the changing face of Russian politics.

When Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared on TV today to insist none of the country’s troops are positioned in the Ukraine, he looked decidedly fresh-faced for a man accused of war-mongering.

The wrinkles on the 62-year-old's forehead, clearly visibly in previous pictures, have disappeared, while his skin look smooth, taut, tanned and younger than ever.

And as this series of pictures show, the Russian president's face has changed dramatically over the years – amid persistent rumours he has undergone cosmetic surgery to give himself a more youthful look.

A black and white picture taken in 1991 when he was 37 years old shows him looking gaunt, and black bags under his eyes are clearly visible.

In December 2013, after around two years in office as President, he looked vastly different again, his face puffy but wrinkle-free.

And in March this year, the Kremlin was forced to deny rumours that he was unwell – or had undergone surgery – when the President disappeared for 10 days, cancelling a string of appointments and public appearances.

Putin was recently reported as saying he won't be in office past the year 2024, when he will turns 71 years old - although these pictures suggest there is a good chance he won't look it.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3042134/What-Putin-face-Russian-leader-Vladimirs-appearance-changed-dramatically-years-looks-younger-ever.html