'Vladimir Putin Will Die Soon': Zelensky Fuels Speculation Over Russian Leader’s Health

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that Russian leader Vladimir Putin "will die soon"—a development he believes could bring an end to the war between their nations. His stark remarks came during an interview with European journalists in Paris on March 26, as speculation about Putin’s health continues to swirl.

The statement follows a US-brokered partial ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, which includes halting attacks on energy infrastructure and hostilities in the Black Sea. In return, the US has agreed to ease some restrictions on Russia’s access to global markets.

Zelensky, however, warned against helping Moscow evade isolation, stating:
"It is very important that America does not help Putin to get out of this global isolation now. I believe that this is dangerous. This is one of the most dangerous moments."

He accused Putin of clinging to power and harboring ambitions beyond Ukraine, potentially leading to "a direct confrontation with the West." The Ukrainian leader urged the US and Europe to maintain a united front, emphasizing that Putin "fears the European-American alliance" and seeks to weaken it.

"He will die soon, that is a fact, and everything will be over," Zelensky said, suggesting that Putin’s demise could mark a turning point in the conflict.

Despite expressing gratitude for US support, Zelensky criticized Washington for being "influenced" by Russian narratives about the war.
"We cannot agree with these narratives. We are fighting for ourselves, and we will fight against these lies wherever they appear," he asserted. "The only thing we can do is reveal more truth."

Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, Moscow has seized roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, spanning 113,000 square kilometers, with intense battles raging along a 1,000-kilometer frontline. Both sides have targeted critical infrastructure—Russia striking Ukraine’s power grid, while Kyiv has launched long-range attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities in a bid to cripple each other’s war efforts.

Zelensky’s comments underscore the high stakes of the conflict, framing Putin’s eventual death as a potential catalyst for peace—while cautioning the West against easing pressure on the Kremlin.