In a bold and unfiltered statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s time is nearing its end. Speaking during a roundtable discussion with journalists, including the BBCโs Jeremy Bowen, Zelensky did not mince words: โHe will die soon, and thatโs a fact, and it will come to an end.โ
Zelensky also suggested that Putin is gripped by fearโnot just of military defeat but of losing control within Russia itself. The Ukrainian leaderโs remarks add fuel to ongoing speculation about Putinโs health, with reports circulating for years about possible ailments, including a mini-stroke.
NATOโs Warning to Russia: “We Will Respond with Full Force”
As tensions continue to rise, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte delivered a firm warning to Moscow. During a visit to Poland, Rutte made it clear that any attack on a NATO member would be met with overwhelming force.
“If anyone were to miscalculate and think they can get away with an attack on Poland or any other ally, they will be met with the full force of this fierce alliance,” Rutte stated, underlining NATOโs unwavering commitment to collective defense.
Zelensky Comments, Putinโs Health Speculation Resurfaces
Zelenskyโs blunt comments come amid renewed concerns about Putinโs health. Abbas Gallyamov, a former Kremlin speechwriter, claimed that the Russian leader exhibited signs of serious medical issues as early as 2022.
“Journalists are writing about cancer, but what we saw back in 2022 looked more like the consequences of a mini-stroke,” Gallyamov told the Daily Express.
Footage from that period showed Putin shaking uncontrollably while meeting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, further fueling speculation. However, the Kremlin has consistently denied any reports of health issues.
Putin Flexes Military Might Amid Ceasefire Doubts
While speculation about his health intensifies, Putin has been ramping up military activity. Concerns are growing that Russia is stalling a Ukraine ceasefire after launching war games involving submarine-fired Kalibr missiles.
In a show of strength, Russiaโs Pacific Fleet conducted missile drills in the Sea of Japan, hitting targets over 620 miles away. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the diesel-electric submarine Ufa successfully launched the missiles, while Admiral Alexander Moiseyev praised the crewโs performance.
This demonstration of firepower follows Russiaโs controversial demands for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, raising doubts about whether Putin is truly willing to negotiate peaceโor merely buying time for his next move.
As tensions remain high, the world watches closely to see whether Putinโs rule will crumble under pressureโwhether from external forces or from within his own ranks.
