Zelensky says ‘Putin will die soon’ & brutal reign ‘will be over’ amid ill-health rumours as Vlad ramps up Ukraine blitz
VLADIMIR Putin "will die soon" vowed a raging Zelensky, amid rumours of his ill-health and intensifying blitzes on Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader pleaded alongside Macron for the US to "stay strong" in the face of Russian skulduggery while Putin is still around.
Zelensky and Macron sat down on Wednesday to talk peace, following a shaky Black Sea ceasefire brokered by the US on Tuesday.
Presenting a united front, the men called for Russia to toe the line and for the EU hold together - ahead of a critical summit of leaders on Thursday.
Zelensky said that Putin is trying to "hit the European Union from within" - citing Hungary, which sides with Russia.
But he also vowed: "He [Putin] will die soon, and that's a fact, and it will come to an end."
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Rumours about Putin's poor health have gathered steam.
He is often seen with a puffy face, tremors and a twitching legs, fuelling speculation he is on the way out.
The embattled leader said he has faith that "America will [...] lead Putin to accept an unconditional ceasefire", despite continued devastating strikes on Ukraine - including 117 on Tuesday night.
Macron aired his frustration at Putin repeatedly choosing to "reinterpret" ceasefire after leaving the table.
He said: "While saying it wants peace, Russia continues to strike intensely the Ukrainian territory, including civilian targets."
"Russia cannot dictate conditions of lasting peace for Ukraine."
The French president also warned that a European army deployed to enforce a peace deal in Ukraine could be forced to engage Russia if Putin violated the terms.
And he committed to providing an additional $2bn of military support for Ukraine.
The Black Sea ceasefire deal agreed on Tuesday reads like it was dictated by Russia, according to experts.
Military analysts told The Sun that it benefits Putin far more than Zelensky, who is trying to salvage a permanent peace deal for his war-torn nation.
After a marathon of negotiations, the White House confirmed it had got both sides to agree to halt strikes in the Black Sea region and on energy infrastructure.
Thursday's meeting of EU leaders will see them once again seek a consensus on how to support Ukraine in the event of a permanent ceasefire deal.
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One option is to deploy troops from willing EU nations to keep peace on the ground.
Macron warned on Wednesday this could lead EU soldiers into direct conflict with Russia.