Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “doesn’t have too much time left” amid growing speculation about the 73-year-old’s whereabouts. Putin has not appeared in public since February 5, with recent state media footage widely viewed as pre-recorded to conceal his absence.
Zelensky’s Stark Warning at Munich Conference
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky highlighted the age gap, stating, “I’m younger than Putin.” As the audience laughed, the 48-year-old leader added, “No, no, believe me this is important. He doesn’t have too much time, you know. Not too much time. He has, God bless, not too much time.”
Zelensky labeled Putin a “slave to war,” drawing parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the 1938 Munich Agreement.
Signs of Putin’s Health Concerns
Questions about Putin’s condition intensify following footage from a recent meeting with a Russian health official. The video revealed bulging veins and thin skin on his right hand, as he nervously clenched his fingers under his sleeve. The Kremlin remains silent, consistent with past patterns of discreet medical treatments.
Navalny Death: Toxin Confirmed
European leaders report conclusive evidence in Alexei Navalny’s death. Samples from the dissident confirm epibatidine, a neurotoxin from South American dart frogs. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described Putin as a “murderer” who must face accountability, citing Russia’s use of “despicable tools” against opposition.
Peace Talks and International Pressure
As attacks persist on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Zelensky stays resolute. “He may see himself as a tsar,” he declared, “but in reality, he is a slave to war.”
U.S. President Donald Trump urges Zelensky to negotiate, stating, “Russia wants to make a deal and Zelensky’s going to have to get moving. Otherwise, he’s going to miss a great opportunity. He’s going to have to move.” Russia demands Ukraine cede Donbas territory, a condition Kyiv rejects ahead of Geneva talks next week.
Zelensky counters that Ukraine has compromised significantly: “We have made a lot of compromises. Putin and his friends—they are not in prison. This is the biggest compromise the world made already.” The Kremlin appoints hardline aide Vladimir Medinsky as lead negotiator, replacing Admiral Igor Kostyukov.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker calls on China: “China could call Vladimir Putin and end this war tomorrow.”
Recent Russian Attacks
Russian forces struck Odesa overnight with drones, killing a 76-year-old woman under building rubble. Odesa regional military chief Oleh Kiper reported, “Overnight, the enemy once again attacked the region with strike drones. In Odesa, a UAV hit damaged the roof of a single-story residential building. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. Unfortunately, a woman was killed in the attack.”
A barrage in Zaporizhzhia over the past 24 hours killed one person and wounded three others, according to regional military chief Ivan Fedorov.
