VLADIMIR Putin “will die soon” vowed a raging Zelensky, amid warnings EU peacekeepers could come into direct conflict with Russia.
The Ukrainian leader pleaded alongside Macron for the US to “stay strong” in the face of Russian skulduggery while Putin is still around.
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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 is loyal to Russia.
But he also vowed: “He [Putin] will die soon, and that’s a fact, and it will come to an end.”
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.
