Zelensky predicts that Putin won’t be around much longer and promises that the war will come to an end.

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that Russian leader Vladimir Putin "will die soon," amid ongoing speculation about his declining health.

Zelensky made this striking statement during an interview with journalists in Paris following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. "He (Putin) will die soon, and that's a fact, and it will come to an end," Zelensky asserted.

Putin, who has long sought to project an image of strength, has been the subject of persistent rumors regarding his health. At 72, he has displayed physical symptoms that have fueled speculation, including a puffy face, twitching limbs, and bloodshot eyes.

One of the most widely discussed incidents occurred in 2022, when Putin was seen slouching in his chair, gripping a table, and slurring his words during a meeting with then-Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Reports have also suggested he experiences frequent coughing fits and involuntary jerky movements in his hands and feet. At times, he has been observed walking with a limp. There have even been claims that he might be suffering from cancer or Parkinson's disease.

     A bloated Vladimir Putin has been seen gripping a table whilst slouching in his chair during a televised meeting with his then-defence minister Sergei Shoigu

During the Paris interview, Zelensky also accused Putin of attempting to destabilize the European Union from within by fostering alliances with pro-Russian members, such as Hungary.

Meanwhile, Macron and Zelensky are hosting European leaders to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine once a ceasefire is reached in the war, which has been ongoing for over three years. Speaking alongside Zelensky, Macron emphasized that Europe is now in a "decisive phase to put an end to the war of aggression" waged by Russia. This comes as the United States, under Donald Trump, appears to be reaching out to Moscow for a potential deal.

Macron announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, valued at two billion euros ($2.2 billion), with France prepared to send existing military equipment quickly. He urged Russia to accept Ukraine's proposed 30-day ceasefire without preconditions, accusing Moscow of continuing its aggression while praising Kyiv for taking a "risk for peace."

"Russia has no right to dictate the support we provide to Ukraine or impose conditions," Macron stated firmly. "There is only one aggressor and one party resisting." He accused Russia of introducing new conditions rather than responding to Ukraine's ceasefire proposal.

"Ukraine has clearly communicated to the United States its willingness for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, despite being the victim of aggression," Macron said. "We expect the same commitment from Russia."

Zelensky expressed hope for "strong decisions" at Thursday’s meeting, which will include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "Now is definitely not the time to reduce pressure on Russia or weaken our unity for the sake of peace," he declared, accusing Russia of deliberately prolonging the conflict. "Russia wants this war to continue. It is dragging it out. We must increase pressure on Russia to truly end the war."

One key discussion point for post-war security is the potential deployment of European forces to ensure Russia does not attack Ukraine again. While it is too early to define specific roles for such forces, Zelensky's aide, Igor Zhovkva, emphasized the need for a strong European presence rather than mere peacekeepers.

Zelensky stated, "The key question is who will be ready to participate. It is too early to determine specific roles, but no one wants to drag any country into war." He underscored that European contingents would primarily serve as a stabilizing force. "These forces would be there to monitor the situation, conduct joint training, and prevent Russia from resuming aggression."

Macron clarified that any European forces in Ukraine would not be engaged in combat but would serve a peacekeeping function. He outlined a potential post-ceasefire scenario involving a monitored dividing line. "A European force could serve as a deterrent to Russia, giving Ukraine leverage while ensuring the conflict does not reignite. However, such a force would not be positioned on the front lines," he explained.

Macron also dismissed any immediate consideration of lifting sanctions against Russia. "Sanctions are entirely dependent on Russia’s actions. Their lifting will only be considered if Russia fully complies with international law," he stated.