Russian President Vladimir Putin is in good health, according to the Kremlin – dismissing rumours that the leader is suffering from an illness.

The cancellation of a foreign trip, scheduled for this week, has stoked speculation.

His last appearance on live television was apparently more than a week ago, on 5 March.

“Well, there is absolutely no reason for any doubts about the state of his (Putin’s) health. His health is really perfect and everything is OK with him, and he’s working in accordance with his traditionally overloaded working schedule,” said Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the president.

The last time Putin’s health was in the spotlight was in 2012. Seen limping in public, sources said he was suffering back pain. The Kremlin denied it.

The markets appear to have shrugged off the latest rumours, with the rouble trading slightly stronger on Thursday.