The chief spy from Ukraine’s military intelligence says that Vladimir Putin “is terminally ill with cancer” and his death is coming “very fast.”
Putin has terminal cancer and his death is approaching “very fast” says Ukraine spy chief
According to the head spy of Ukraine’s military intelligence, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is terminally ill with cancer and is expected to die very soon.
Kyrylo Budanov, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, sat down for an interview with ABC News and discussed the ongoing war and Russia’s leader.
Without providing evidence, Budanov told ABC that Vladimir Putin is terminally ill with cancer and will die very soon, the Daily Mail reported. When asked by ABC News reporter Britt Clennett if Putin was terminally ill, Budanov responded: “Of course.”
Budanov added, “he [Putin] is ill long period.” Asked when Putin’s death would come, Budanov said, “I think very fast. I hope.”
There has long been speculation that Putin was suffering from cancer, Parkinson’s disease, or numerous other elements.
“We think it’s cancer,” Budanov told ABC. “We know it from human sources that are close to Putin.”
Fact or Russian disinformation?
Throughout 2022, numerous photos emerged that appeared to show needle track marks on Putin’s hand, which some, including a former British army chief, believe could be a sign he is receiving intravenous drips. Photos of Putin’s face appearing puffy are suggestive that he could be taking steroids as part of cancer treatment.
Speculation of ill health also rose after Putin canceled two public events toward the end of last year, which included his annual state address and a visit to a tank-production factory, the Mirror reported.
A former CIA officer warned that Moscow spreads disinformation and that encouraging the chatter about Putin’s alleged health condition may be part of its plan.
Despite comments from Ukraine’s military intelligence, US intelligence is divided on whether Vladimir Putin is actually terminally ill. Nonetheless, US officials told Newsweek in June that they believe Putin was treated for “advanced cancer” in April.
However, in May, CIA director William Burns stated at a security conference: “As far as we can tell he’s [Putin] entirely too healthy.”
The Kremlin has previously denied claims that Putin is in poor health.
Who will take charge of Russia if Putin dies?
The chief spy added that he expects there will be a transfer of power to another Russian crony following the demise of the Russian leader.
When ABC’s Clennett suggested that the “transfer of power” following Putin’s death would not necessarily mean the end of the invasion, Budanov stated the conflict “should be ended” before he dies, Yahoo reported.
