Putin is investing billions in life-extension projects — WSJ
These are studies that are allegedly linked to research into methods of extending human life. The projects involve scientists, including Maria Vorontsova and physicist Mikhail Kovalchuk, who are said to be participating in Russian government-funded scientific initiatives.
The Wall Street Journal reports on this.
Last month, the Russian government announced that scientists are developing gene therapy aimed at slowing cellular aging as part of “New Health Preservation Technologies”—Putin’s $26 billion life-extension initiative.
Russia’s initiative to increase life expectancy is led by two individuals close to Putin: his daughter Maria Vorontsova, an endocrinologist who oversees state genetic programs, and physicist Mikhail Kovalchuk, head of the Kurchatov Institute and brother of Putin’s close associate Yuri Kovalchuk, a banker and media investor.
The scientists appointed by Putin have focused on two key technologies: bioprinting, or 3D printing of living tissue, and xenotransplantation, or the cultivation of human organs inside mini-pigs—a breed of pig considered genetically compatible with humans. Russian scientists claim they have successfully bioprinted human cartilage tissue and a mouse thyroid gland, and announce plans to replace human organs by 2030. Similar timelines are being discussed for growing organs inside pigs.
At the same time, unlike similar research funded by Western billionaires like Jeff Bezos or Sam Altman, the work promoted by Putin’s inner circle has received virtually no coverage in peer-reviewed international journals.
“If there are no publications, then there are no real results, and their statements should likely be viewed as aspirations, if not dreams… They are probably telling Putin what he wants to hear to secure funding,” said Alexander Ostrovsky, a Russian scientist and pioneer of bioprinting in the country.
Putin has also shown openness to far less authoritative approaches.
For instance, during a meeting at the Kremlin in 2018, Putin advised then-Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to try a cryochamber—a sort of reverse sauna where the body is exposed to temperatures as low as minus 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Kurz later recalled his surprise when Putin enthusiastically explained the benefits of regularly spending time naked in this ice chamber.
The WSJ notes that the Russian dictator is extremely concerned about physical decline. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Putin implemented strict quarantine protocols, including disinfection tunnels and lengthy isolation requirements for visitors. Russian and Western media have also speculated about cosmetic procedures, as Putin’s appearance has noticeably improved with age.
Most of Putin’s closest aides and allies are also over 70 years old. At the same time, Russia has one of the highest mortality rates in the developed world. According to official statistics, the average life expectancy for men in Russia today is about 68 years, compared to approximately 76 years in the U.S. and over 80 years in most of Western Europe.
Earlier, Vladimir Putin, following U.S. President Donald Trump, arrived in China for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During his visit to China, Vladimir Putin had hoped to secure Beijing’s approval for the construction of a new large-scale gas pipeline, but the negotiations ended without a result.
