India, May 30 -- From 3D-printing human organs to genetically modifying mini-pigs, the Kremlin is pouring massive state resources into a futuristic quest to conquer ageing, raising questions about whether the initiative is about healthcare or preserving an autocrat's reign. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an ambitious $26 billion national initiative titled "New Health Preservation Technologies," a sprawling project aimed at altering the human ageing process by boosting longevity.

While the initiative is officially framed as a breakthrough in medical science, the scale of the investment has sparked debate, with critics suggesting the program is less about public health and more about the Russian leader's personal preoccupation w...