‘Putin Will Die Soon’: Zelenskyy Says Amid Russian Premier’s Ill Health Rumours

Last Updated:March 27, 2025, 08:38 IST

Zelenskyy claims Putin will die soon amid rumors of his ill health. Zelenskyy and Macron urged the US to stay strong against Russia

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AFP File Image)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Vladimir Putin will die soon amid rumours of the Russian president’s ill health.

“Putin will die soon and that’s a fact," Zelenskyy was quoted as saying by The Sun amid Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and French President Macron urged the US to “stay strong" against Russian actions while Putin remains in power.

Zelenskyy, Macron meet

The two leaders met on Wednesday to discuss peace following a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US on Tuesday. They called for unity within the European Union and for Russia to comply with peace terms ahead of a crucial summit on Thursday.

Zelenskyy warned that Putin is attempting to “divide the European Union from within," pointing to Hungary’s pro-Russia stance, but asserted that “Putin will die soon, and that’s a fact."

Rumors about Putin’s declining health have been fuelled by his physical symptoms, such as a puffy face and tremors. Despite ongoing Russian attacks, including 117 strikes on Ukraine Tuesday night, Zelenskyy expressed confidence that the US would pressure Putin into agreeing to an unconditional ceasefire.

Macron criticised Putin for repeatedly “reinterpret[ing]" ceasefire terms and continuing attacks on Ukrainian territory, including civilian areas. He stated that Russia cannot impose peace conditions on Ukraine.

The EU leaders’ summit on Thursday will discuss strategies for supporting Ukraine if a permanent ceasefire is reached, with the possibility of deploying EU peacekeepers. Macron warned that this could lead to direct conflict with Russia if peacekeepers are attacked. He also pledged an additional $2 billion in military aid to Ukraine, emphasising that the war’s end is in a “decisive phase."

News world ‘Putin Will Die Soon’: Zelenskyy Says Amid Russian Premier’s Ill Health Rumours