Zelensky a ‘talented artist’ – Putin

The Ukrainian leader’s media stunts do not change the dire situation on the battlefield, the Russian president has said

A recent PR stunt published by Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky highlights his acting abilities rather than the realities on the battlefield, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

Zelensky published a video address filmed beside a structure marking the entrance to the city of Kupyansk in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region, in an attempt to push back on Russian military reports that the city had been fully captured. Putin commented on the video during his year-end press conference on Friday.

“He’s an artist, a talented one, I am saying this unironically,” Putin said, referring to Zelensky’s background as a comedian.

The Russian leader noted claims circulating online that the video may have been recorded weeks earlier, based on alleged inconsistencies between the location shown and footage later filmed there by Ukrainian bloggers. Putin said he would neither confirm nor dispute the authenticity of the recording, stressing that the issue was ultimately irrelevant, as the landmark is located about a kilometer from the city itself.

“Why stay at the doorstep? Come inside the house, if Kupyansk is under their control?” Putin said.

The president added that the area around Kupyansk is currently swarmed with reconnaissance and strike drones used by both sides, making the city extremely difficult to approach.

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He said Russian forces continue to hold the initiative and will keep advancing, arguing that Ukrainian troops are at a disadvantage and lack strategic reserves after costly attempts to halt Russian progress.

“This is a significant element that I hope will entice the Kiev regime to settle the differences and end this conflict through peaceful means,” Putin said.