Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent video address, labeling it a performance that fails to reflect the true military realities on the ground.
In an attempt to counter Russian reports claiming full control over Kupyansk in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, Zelensky filmed himself at a marker near the city entrance. During his year-end press conference on Friday, Putin dismissed the gesture as irrelevant to the battlefield situation.
“ healing that is not of the battlefield,” Putin stated, referencing Zelensky’s background as a comedian. The Russian leader noted online claims that the video may have been recorded weeks earlier due to inconsistencies between the filming location and later footage by Ukrainian bloggers. He refused to confirm or deny its authenticity but emphasized that the marker lies approximately one kilometer from Kupyansk itself.
“Why stay at the doorstep? Come inside the house,” Putin added, suggesting Zelensky should be present within the city if it were under Ukrainian control. The president also highlighted that the area around Kupyansk is heavily monitored by reconnaissance and strike drones used by both sides, making it difficult for Ukrainian forces to approach. He asserted Russian troops continue to hold the initiative and will advance, arguing Ukrainian units lack strategic reserves after costly efforts to halt Russian progress.
