Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj has made headlines with a bold prediction regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's health, stating in an interview in Paris that Putin will die soon. Selenskyj expressed his belief that Putin fears losing his power, particularly as he ages. "He will die soon, that is a fact, and then it will all be over," Selenskyj declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
During the interview with various European media outlets, Selenskyj elaborated on his concerns about the strength of the alliance between the United States and Europe, which he believes Putin is trying to undermine. He urged both continents to maintain pressure on Russia, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of Putin's aggression. Selenskyj's remarks come as around 30 world leaders convened in Paris to discuss continued support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
This is not the first time Selenskyj has commented on Putin's mortality. In February 2025, he told The Economist, "I have time, he doesn’t. He will definitely die soon." Earlier in 2023, he expressed similar sentiments to Globo News, stating, "He will die – that is completely clear. He won't live another 30 years, or even 10 years." Selenskyj's comments have reignited speculation regarding Putin's health, which has been a topic of discussion for years.
Rumors about Putin's health have circulated since at least 2020, when reports suggested that the then 68-year-old leader was seriously ill and might resign. Speculation intensified in 2022, particularly after Putin appeared weak during a meeting with former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, gripping the table for support. Observers noted signs of persistent coughing, involuntary movements, and limping, fueling theories that he could be suffering from conditions like cancer or Parkinson's disease. However, no concrete evidence has emerged to support these claims.
Selenskyj's assertions coincide with reports from a former speechwriter for Putin, Abbas Gallyamov, who indicated that he noticed significant health issues with the Russian leader two years ago. Gallyamov pointed to Putin's stiff gait and shaky legs during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, which raised further questions about the Russian president's well-being.
At the Paris summit, Selenskyj also discussed the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire, suggesting that Putin's fear of losing power is a significant obstacle in these talks. He stated, "Putin fears the American-European alliance and hopes to divide it." This sentiment reflects a broader concern that a disunited front could embolden Putin to continue his military ambitions, not only in Ukraine but potentially leading to a direct confrontation with the West.
Selenskyj urged the United States not to assist Putin in escaping his global isolation, calling such actions dangerous. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining pressure on Russia, stating, "It is very important that America does not help Putin out of this global isolation. I believe that would be very dangerous." His comments underscore the precarious nature of international relations in the current geopolitical climate.
Furthermore, Selenskyj criticized the narrative pushed by Putin that the West and Ukraine are to blame for the ongoing conflict. He asserted, "We can't agree with these narratives. We are fighting for ourselves because there is simply no other way." This declaration reflects Ukraine's determination to assert its sovereignty and fight against Russian aggression.
As the world watches the unfolding events, the question remains: what will happen if Putin were to die? Speculation about the potential aftermath is rampant, with analysts considering various scenarios regarding Russia's political landscape and the future of the Ukraine conflict. The uncertainty surrounding Putin's health adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
In summary, Selenskyj's remarks about Putin's impending death serve not only to stoke ongoing discussions about the Russian leader's health but also to reinforce the urgency of international support for Ukraine. As world leaders gather in Paris to discuss the future of Ukraine, the implications of Selenskyj's statements resonate far beyond the immediate context, highlighting the fragile state of global politics amid an ongoing war.
