A Ukrainian spy chief has claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is suffering from cancer, fueling long-standing rumors about the Kremlin head’s health.
Speaking in an interview with ABC News published Wednesday, Kyrylo Budanov, the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, said he knows for sure that Putin has cancer.
“He has been sick for a long time; I am sure he has cancer. I think he will die very quickly. I hope very soon,” he said, adding that the information came from sources close to the Russian president.
Budanov also added that while Putin will die very soon, it will likely happen after Ukraine wins the war against Russia.
“This war must end before his death,” the defense intelligence chief said.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, Putin has become the subject of rumors claiming he is suffering from severe illnesses, including cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Related Story: Putin Treated for Cancer in April, U.S. Intelligence Report Says
