Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a striking prediction about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s future, suggesting that the Russian leader’s deteriorating health could lead to his imminent demise.
In an interview on Wednesday, Zelenskyy urged the United States not to reintegrate Russia into the global political sphere while peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine continue.
Putin ‘Will Die Soon’
“He will die soon, that is a fact, and everything will be over,” Zelenskyy stated in an interview with Eurovision News in Paris, according to a partial translation by the Kyiv Independent.
Zelenskyy also remarked that Putin aims to “stay in power until his death” and is actively seeking “a direct confrontation with the West.” However, he did not provide specific reasons for believing the 72-year-old Russian leader’s health is in decline.
Putin’s Health Rumours
For years, speculation has surrounded Putin’s well-being, with persistent rumors about his deteriorating condition intensifying since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
Despite this, the Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed such claims, denying reports of any serious health issues and insisting there is no evidence to support them.
In October, photographs of Putin displaying what appeared to be intravenous (IV) marks on his hands during a meeting with soldiers fueled speculation that he was receiving treatment for cancer.
However, the exact cause of the marks remains unknown. Additionally, unverified reports have suggested he may be suffering from strokes or Parkinson’s disease.
Black Sea Truce
Zelenskyy’s remarks come shortly after Russian and Ukrainian delegations met on Tuesday, reaching an agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure and hostilities in the Black Sea following discussions with Trump administration officials in Saudi Arabia.
According to Reuters, the Kremlin stated that a ceasefire in the Black Sea would only be possible if Western sanctions on Russia’s Rosselkhozbank—an institution reportedly serving the agricultural sector—were lifted and if Russia regained access to the international banking system.
During his interview, Zelenskyy implored the U.S. not to yield to Moscow’s demands during the ongoing negotiations.
The U.S. has already agreed to expand Russia’s access to global markets, a move Zelenskyy strongly opposed.
“It is crucial that America does not assist Putin in emerging from global isolation at this time,” he warned. “I believe this is extremely dangerous—one of the most perilous moments we face.”
Zelenskyy-Macron Meeting
On Thursday, Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of a summit in Paris involving representatives from approximately 30 nations.
The discussions focused on strengthening Ukraine’s military position as it seeks a ceasefire with Russia, with proposals to deploy European troops alongside any peace agreement reportedly under consideration.
Putin has held the Russian presidency since 2012, following an earlier term from 2000 to 2008. A former KGB intelligence officer, he also served as Russia’s prime minister from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012.
