Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "going to die soon," contending that this would conclude the prolonged conflict between their nations, as reported by The Kyiv Independent. These statements were made during a conversation with European journalists on March 26 in Paris, coinciding with ongoing speculation about Putin's health. The assertion is notably audacious, especially considering the delicate nature of the current warfare and the health of global leaders.
According to the news outlet, Zelensky's remarks followed an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to initiate a partial ceasefire on attacks targeting energy infrastructure, which was facilitated by the United States. In return, the US committed to enhancing Russia's access to international markets. "It is crucial that America does not assist Putin in escaping his global isolation at this moment," Zelensky mentioned during his visit to Paris. "I find this perilous. We are at one of the most precarious junctures." According to Zelensky, Putin desires to "cling to power until his last breath," and his ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, potentially leading to "a direct clash with the West."
He urged solidarity among the US and Europe to maintain pressure on Putin, stating that the Russian leader fears the unity of the European-American alliance and seeks to create divisions within it. Zelensky also pointed out that Putin is concerned about his own mortality. "He will die soon, that's an undeniable reality, and everything will come to an end," he claimed. At the same time, Zelensky expressed appreciation for the support from the US in the ongoing conflict, yet he noted that Washington seems to have been swayed by Russian perspectives on the war.
"We cannot endorse these viewpoints. We are fighting for our existence, and we will oppose these narratives wherever they arise because that is the only option we have," he asserted. "Our sole course of action is to uncover more truths. We need to illustrate, through our actions, that we are engaged in combat on the front lines." Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has seized approximately 113,000 square kilometers, or around 20%, of Ukrainian territory, with combat occurring along a 1,000-kilometer (621 miles) frontline. Russia has targeted Ukraine's electrical grid with missiles and drones, while Kyiv has conducted long-range attacks on Russian oil and gas installations, which have become a significant component of the conflict to weaken each side's military capabilities.
