International Desk //

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently predicted the imminent death of Russian President Vladimir Putin, further fueling long-standing speculation about the 72-year-old Russian leader’s health.

Zelensky claimed, “He (Putin) will die soon and this is a reality.” Sama News reports.

Zelensky made the comments in an interview with Eurovision News in Paris on Wednesday. He also warned the United States that Russia’s global isolation should not be relaxed, especially when diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the Ukraine war.

“He will die very soon, this is a reality and everything will be over,” Zelensky was also quoted as saying by The Kyiv Independent. Although he did not provide any evidence to support his claim.

Speculation about Putin’s health

In fact, there have been various rumors and speculations about Putin’s health at various times. Among them are cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious illnesses.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there has been intense speculation about Putin’s health.

However, the Russian government has denied such claims as baseless. Putin himself quoted Mark Twain at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2022, saying, “Rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

Britain’s Chief of Defense Admiral Tony Radakin called rumors of Putin’s deteriorating health “wishful thinking” in July 2022. According to him, the Russian leadership is stable.

In October last year, traces of intravenous (IV) injections were seen on Putin’s hands, giving rise to new rumors about his cancer treatment.

In addition, his red eyes, unexplained bruises on his hands, and a scar on his neck are believed to be possible signs of thyroid surgery.

Some reports, notably a US intelligence leak, have claimed that Putin is undergoing chemotherapy. In addition, suspicions have been raised about his gait.

He has often been seen holding onto a table tightly and shaking his legs abnormally, which analysts believe could indicate physical weakness.

Kremlin response

The Kremlin has consistently denied all speculation about Putin’s health. Last year, Russian state news agency TASS reported that Putin had no health problems and that his hospital visit was simply a routine check-up.

Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov called such claims “Western propaganda”.

Footage of Putin shaking uncontrollably at an event in Kazakhstan in November 2023 was dismissed by the Kremlin as a rumor.

Geopolitical implications

Zelensky’s latest comments come as Russia and Ukraine have reached a temporary ceasefire in their conflict in the Black Sea and over energy infrastructure.

The talks, brokered by US officials in Saudi Arabia, also discussed expanding Russia’s access to global markets.

But Zelensky has called it dangerous. “I believe it is very important that America does not help Putin out of this global isolation now. This is very dangerous. This is one of the most dangerous moments,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin is trying to reassure Putin that he is still healthy and in control of the country. However, analysts say that if Putin’s health deteriorates further, Russia’s political future could face major changes.

Share your opinion.