Zelensky predicts Putin’s demise amid speculation on russian leader’s heal

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a bold prediction, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will die soon” during an interview in Paris. This statement came following his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky, addressing the ongoing conflict, urged the US to maintain its strong stance and not succumb to Moscow’s demands. Speculation about Putin’s health has been growing, with frequent reports of him showing signs of illness, such as a puffy face, tremors, and unsteady walking, with recent reports of him suffering a “mini-stroke” adding fuel to these rumours.

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Putin, aged 72, has been the subject of health concerns for years. In 2022, footage of him slouching in a chair while tightly gripping a table and slurring his speech during a meeting with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu sparked further claims about his declining condition. There has been speculation about the Russian leader suffering from cancer or Parkinson’s disease, though no official verification has been provided. During his Paris visit, Zelensky also accused Putin of attempting to divide the European Union from within, particularly mentioning Hungary’s support for Russia.

President Macron, in the aftermath of the talks, proposed a European peacekeeping force that could respond if Russia were to launch another attack on Ukraine. He emphasised that soldiers deployed under this arrangement would be ready to engage if Ukrainian soil were again threatened. As Macron and Zelensky continue their discussions, they are expected to meet with other European leaders at the Élysée Palace to consider further support for Ukraine, including military assistance in the event of a ceasefire.

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The US, however, is notably absent from these talks, with the Trump administration showing little interest in sending American troops to Ukraine. European officials, in contrast, are pressing forward with a strategy to fortify Ukraine’s defences, with the UK and EU pledging continued military aid. Macron announced that France will provide Ukraine with 2 billion euros worth of defence aid, including tanks, air defence systems, and anti-tank missiles, ensuring Ukraine’s preparedness for both peace negotiations and any potential resumption of conflict.