Vladimir Putin on Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Vladimir Putin expresses deep skepticism regarding Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership and legitimacy, particularly since the expiration of his official presidential term in May 2024. Putin repeatedly claims that Zelenskyy has cornered himself by banning negotiations and refusing to hold elections, suggesting a power shift in Kyiv is inevitable.
Putin further characterizes Zelenskyy's decision-making as 'toxic' and harmful to Ukraine, asserting that the Ukrainian President issues 'absurd orders' driven by political considerations rather than sound military ones. This alleged guidance by 'radically minded nationalists' leads to unjustified, large losses for the Ukrainian army, in Putin's view.
Historically, Putin framed the conflict as being against an 'illegitimate regime' that came to power via a 'bloody unconstitutional coup' in 2014, implying Zelenskyy's government represents this continuation. Putin suggests that any future peace talks must be conducted with a leadership whose authority Moscow is 'completely sure' about, emphasizing the need for a decision from the Ukrainian parliament or Constitutional Court regarding Zelenskyy's mandate.
Despite the strong criticism, Putin has indicated a conditional willingness to meet with Zelenskyy if such contact promises 'positive results,' although he simultaneously suggests that the current leadership is the primary roadblock to ending the war. The Kremlin concurs with figures like Donald Trump that Zelenskyy is delaying a resolution, arguing the situation is deteriorating daily for Ukraine.
Context
Vladimir Putin's views on Volodymyr Zelenskyy are inseparable from Russia's broader narrative regarding the war in Ukraine and the country's political trajectory since 2014. Putin views Zelenskyy not as a legitimate, independent political actor, but as a puppet of Western interests who came to power following an unconstitutional seizure of power.
This framing allows Putin to assert that Russia's objectives are to confront the 'illegitimate regime' and defend Russian interests and people, rather than fighting the Ukrainian nation itself. Therefore, Zelenskyy is positioned as the main personal impediment to achieving a negotiated settlement on Moscow's terms, making him a primary target of Russian political messaging.
Timeline
- Putin delivered a speech framing modern Ukraine as historically Russian land and accusing the post-2014 government of being an illegitimate regime installed by a 'coup d'état' aided by foreign states.
- Putin labeled Zelenskyy a 'toxic figure' for Ukraine's military and society, suggesting his approval ratings were collapsing and that he was an obstacle to peace.
- Putin explicitly stated that Moscow realizes the 'legitimacy of the current head of state [Zelenskyy] has ended' due to the expiration of his term without elections.
- Putin accused Zelenskyy of betraying peace promises, operating under radical nationalist influence, and solely responsible for the conflict's continuation by refusing dialogue.
Key Quotes
We consider that the legitimacy of the current head of state (Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky) has ended.
He like his predecessors began to be guided not by the interests of the people but by the interests of a narrow group of nationalists radically minded nationalists at that and in fact is serving their agenda.
The fact is that the head the current head of the Kiev. regime is becoming a toxic figure for the Ukrainian armed forces. because he gives unjust justified orders dictated not by military considerations, but by political considerations.
I have never refused to do it, if it leads to positive results.
Sources6
Putin's Fierce Message To Zelensky Comes With Alarming Pledge; 'You Betrayed…' | Watch
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.