Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a striking statement, claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin's life will soon come to an end, which he believes will mark the conclusion of the ongoing war.
In an interview with Eurovision News, Zelensky said that Putin’s grip on Russian society and his ability to wage war won't last much longer, not just due to internal instability but also because of Putin’s age.
"He will die soon, that's a fact, and everything will end," Zelensky remarked, though he did not elaborate on why he believes the 72-year-old Russian leader might die in the near future.
Zelensky further stated that the international community still has a chance to act, saying the West could “close the question of Putin” before his “historically unremarkable and safe life ends.”
Zelensky urged Ukraine's Western allies to increase sanctions and pressure on Russia, asserting that such actions could lead to social destabilization within the country.
"If [Western] partners want to show not superpowers, but their real power, and if they put pressure on Putin, there will be a destabilization of Russian society," he said.
Zelensky added that Putin fears losing power and being isolated, but noted that international efforts to politically isolate him since the invasion began have not yet succeeded.
Zelensky Open to Talks
Despite his harsh rhetoric, Zelensky has not ruled out direct negotiations with Putin if it is the only way to bring peace to Ukraine.
"If this is the only option in which we can bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine and not lose people, then we will definitely go for this option of meeting," he said, but added that he “will not be kind” to the Russian president.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has promised to swiftly end the war if re-elected, criticized Zelensky for his public comments on Putin.
"He shouldn't be standing there saying this and that about Putin. It's all negative stuff. He should be saying, 'I want to make peace. I don't want to be in a war anymore,'" Trump said.
Trump also accused Zelensky of not taking his peace proposals seriously, claiming the Ukrainian leader simply wants to "fight, fight, fight."
However, Trump acknowledged that Russia has been stalling negotiations, comparing it to his own business tactics:
"They're stalling. I've done that for years in business. I don’t want to sign a treaty; I want to stay in the game."
Still, Trump promised to continue negotiating and consider Russia's terms.
