Experts have cast doubt on aspects of Vladimir Putin‘s surprise visit to occupied Mariupol.

The Russian premier appeared in the region yesterday for a visit, his first bringing him close to the invasion frontlines.

But, while people acknowledge that he was likely there in person – as opposed to leaving the task to a body double -they doubt that every aspect of the visit was genuine.

Euan MacDonald, the editor-at-large for the New Voice of Ukraine, admitted it was “probable” he was in Ukraine on Saturday night.

In a tweet, he suggested the flats toured by the Russian premier were “all for show”, and he questioned whether the residents he met were real locals.

Propaganda expert and Ukrainian presidential advisor Anton Gerashchenko posted side-by-side photos of Putin sitting apart from his officials on a long table and a shot from the Mariupol visit.

He also questioned whether the locals were genuine in a brief tweet.

He asked: “Is he scared of his officials more than of Mariupol’s ‘residents’?”