Zelenskyy says ‘Putin will die soon and that’s a fact’ in blunt statement

Rumours surrounding Putin's health have escalated recently

The defiant Ukrainian leader, 47, made the blunt statement as chatter about Mr Putin's health continues to circulate.

Last week, it was reported that Putin had suffered a 'mini stroke' after he was seen shaking uncontrollably during a conference. 

Rumours of the Russian President battling cancer have also existed for years.

Zelenskyy met Emmanuel Macron, President of France, today to talk peace, following a very shaky Black Sea ceasefire brokered by the US on Tuesday.

Zelenskyy said: "He [Putin] will die soon, and that's a fact, and it will come to an end."

Zelenskyy added he feels Putin is trying to 'hit the European Union from within' - citing Hungary, who sides with Russia.

The Ukrainian leader did not give any further comment on Putin's ill-health.

Despite peace talks, Ukraine continues to be hit with airstrikes. Macron accused Putin of 'reinterpreting' ceasefire after leaving the table.

The French President added: "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."

EU leaders will meet on Thursday and see them once again seek a consensus on how to support Ukraine in the event of a permanent ceasefire deal.

One option is to deploy troops from willing EU nations to keep peace on the ground, something that Sir Keir Starmer supports and is willing to do with British troops.

However, Macron warned this could lead EU soldiers into direct conflict with Russia.

If Putin violated any of the terms of the deal, it would fall upon Europe to police the fallout.