Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed that Vladimir Putin “will die soon”, as Kyiv’s forces continue to steadily capture ground in Russia.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky gave a damning verdict on the Russian leader’s health - which has long been said to be faltering.
Zelenksy said: “He (Putin) will die soon, and that's a fact, and it will come to an end.”
In November, Putin was not seen in public for two weeks, with the Kremlin accused of releasing pre-recorded meetings amid speculation of ill health.
Zelensky gave a damning verdict on the Russian leader’s health
ReutersOver the years, some have claimed that he appears overly tired, has difficulty walking and strongly gripping tables in meetings - sparking rumours of Parkinson’s disease.
He was also said to have cancer several times in 2014, 2020 and 2022, and reportedly travels with an entourage of doctors to assist him in case of a medical emergency.
Zelensky’s comments come as Kyiv’s forces have begun a new incursion into the Russian region of Belgorod.
Ukraine has been steadily gaining ground, despite the Kremlin claiming last week that Russian troops managed to ward off an attack.
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Zelenksy said Putin 'will die soon'
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Zelensky has said that his military was taking “strategic steps” to counter a potential Russian offensive from Sumy, where there has been a build-up of armed forces.
Belgorod borders Kursk, a Russian region where Ukraine launched an incursion into over seven months ago.
Whilst the offensive in August caught Russia by surprise and quickly seized vast stretches of territory, the gains in Belgorod have been slower in comparison.
Despite the “modest” force size of less than 500 soldiers, Moscow has been shocked at the success of the operation.
“How did this happen? Russian forces completely f****d up... They just gave it up. They just left. After that, the enemy occupied it,” raged Russian war correspondent Vladimir Romano.
Zelensky’s comments come as Kyiv’s forces have begun a new incursion into the Russian region of Belgorod (file pic)
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French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky give a press conference
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Meanwhile, Russia could be facing more setbacks if a European peacekeeping force unleashes its “full force” on Moscow.
Speaking with Zelensky, Macron said that European soldiers would retaliate if Putin’s troops launched an attack during a ceasefire.
Macron warned: “If there was again a generalised aggression against Ukrainian soil, these armies would be under attack and then it’s our usual framework of engagement.
“Our soldiers, when they are engaged and deployed, are there to react and respond to the decisions of the commander in chief and, if they are in a conflict situation, to respond to it.”
Yesterday, Nato chief Mark Rutte promised that the international organisation would defend Poland “with full force” if the eastern European nation stood face-to-face with Russian attacks.
