Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky predicted Russian President Vladimir Putin "will die soon" while warning the United States about helping the Kremlin escape political and economic isolation.
“He [Putin] will die soon, and that’s a fact, and it will come to an end,” Zelensky said during an interview with Eurovision News on Wednesday (March 26) via the New York Post.
Zelensky's blunt comment follows years-long speculation about Putin's potential ailing health, which includes reports of strokes, multiple cancer bouts and possibly Parkinson's disease. The Ukrainian president also pleaded for the U.S. to "stay strong" and not give in to Russia's demands as peace and cease-fire negotiations continue.
“It is very important that America does not help Putin to get out of this global isolation now,” Zelensky said. “I believe that this is dangerous. This is one of the most dangerous moments.”
Zelensky added that he believed Putin would remain in power until his death, which he believes could come sooner amid fears of the "destabilization of his society" as well as more Western countries increasing pressure on the Kremlin.
“If they push Putin, he will face destabilization in his society, and he will fear it,” he said.
Zelensky's comments came as European leaders were scheduled to meet in Paris to secure a permanent cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine on Thursday (March 27). No U.S. officials are scheduled to be present at the meeting.