Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a bold prediction: Russian President Vladimir Putin will die soon due to failing health.
He shared the shocking claim in an interview Wednesday. Zelenskyy also warned the U.S. not to welcome Russia back onto the global stage during current peace talks.
"He will die soon, that is a fact, and everything will be over," Zelenskyy told Eurovision News in Paris, according to a translation from the Kyiv Independent.
Zelenskyy said Putin wants to "remain in power until his death." He added that the Russian leader is seeking "a direct confrontation with the West."
Zelenskyy didn’t offer specific reasons why he believes Putin is near death. But his comments added fuel to growing speculation.
For years, there have been whispers about Putin’s health. The rumors grew louder after Russia launched its war in Ukraine. Still, the Kremlin has dismissed the reports repeatedly, offering no proof of any illness.
Last October, photos showed what appeared to be IV marks on Putin’s hands during a meeting with soldiers. Some believed he was undergoing cancer treatment, though the origin of the marks was unclear.
Other rumors have mentioned strokes and Parkinson’s disease. None have been confirmed.
Zelenskyy’s comments followed recent meetings between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Both sides agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure and calm tensions in the Black Sea.
Russia, however, has its own terms. According to Reuters, the Kremlin demands an end to sanctions on Rosselkhozbank and access to international banking before a full ceasefire in the Black Sea.
During the interview, Zelenskyy begged the U.S. not to fold to Moscow’s demands. Washington has reportedly agreed to expand Russia’s market access.
"It is very important that America does not help Putin to get out of this global isolation now," Zelenskyy said.
"I believe that this is dangerous. This is one of the most dangerous moments."
The next day, Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron. Around 30 nations gathered in Paris to discuss ways to boost Kyiv’s military and support peace talks.
Ideas on the table include sending European troops to Ukraine. Those proposals are part of larger negotiations for a possible peace deal.
Putin has held power in Russia for decades. He served as president from 2000 to 2008, then again since 2012. In between, he was prime minister. Before politics, he was a KGB foreign intelligence officer.