Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Kyiv – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his assertion that the conflict with Russia is nearing its conclusion, along with the lifespan of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky, however, did not detail the basis for his statements regarding the 72-year-old Russian leader’s health. Speculation has circulated suggesting Putin may be suffering from ailments such as Parkinson’s disease or cancer, though these claims remain unverified. In an interview with Eurovision News, Zelensky stated, “He will die soon – that’s a certainty – and everything will be resolved. I am younger than Putin, so place your bets on me. My prospects are more favorable.”
Zelensky Suggests Western Pressure Could Destabilize Russia
Zelensky further posited that Western allies could capitalize on Putin’s apprehension about losing authority in Russia. He suggested that sustained sanctions and other measures aimed at weakening Russia’s military capabilities could foster internal instability. “If they exert pressure on Putin,” Zelensky explained, “he will encounter destabilization within his society, and this is something he fears.”
Reports of Russian Anti-Aging Efforts
These remarks follow earlier reports indicating that Russian scientists were allegedly instructed last year by an official with ties to Putin to explore methods for decelerating the aging process.
Claims of Unconventional Health Practices
Furthermore, local reports have claimed that Putin regularly undergoes baths using extracts from Siberian red deer antlers, a substance purported to possess anti-aging properties.
Concerns Raised Over Potential Russian Military Escalation
Separately, President Zelensky voiced apprehension regarding potential intensified Russian military actions in the northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
Ukrainian Intelligence Reports Russian Military Reinforcements
According to a statement from Ukrainian military intelligence sources, Moscow is actively replenishing its military resources, including stockpiles of advanced Zircon hypersonic missiles and Kalibr cruise missiles.
Anticipation of a Possible Russian Spring Offensive
Speaking to Le Figaro, the Ukrainian president stated, “Putin is attempting to gain time and is preparing for a spring offensive. We are observing preparations for this forthcoming operation. We have shared intelligence with our allies. We must assess the situation with complete awareness.”
Moscow’s Claims of Territorial Advancement
Recently, Moscow asserted that its forces had captured territory within the Sumy region, representing the first such claim since the initial phase of the conflict. Kyiv, however, has disputed this assertion.
Ukraine Acknowledges Increased Russian Military Activity
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, acknowledged on Thursday that Russia is “intensifying” its operations in the area and attempting to advance further into Ukrainian territory.
Disputed Claims of Ukrainian Troop Encirclement
Despite Russian forces moving into the Sumy region from the neighboring Kursk region in Russia, there is no corroborating evidence to support claims made by Putin and Donald Trump suggesting that Ukrainian forces had been encircled.