From ‘illegitimate’ Zelensky to frontline advances: Putin’s key Direct Line statements on Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual Direct Line press event on Thursday offered a comprehensive view of his stance on the Ukraine crisis. During the around four and a half hours of questioning from journalists and Russian citizens, Putin reiterated a number of familiar positions while making some striking claims about the ongoing conflict. Here are the key takeaways from his remarks.
Zelensky is ‘Illegitimate’ and this is a problem for peace negotiations
Putin questioned the point of negotiating with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, labeling him an “illegitimate leader.” He said that Kiev would need to hold new presidential elections, because the term of the Western-backed leader has expired. Zelensky’s leadership lacks legal credibility in Russia’s eyes, according to Putin.
“If the first person himself is illegitimate, then everything else also loses its legitimacy in terms of executive authorities and law enforcement agencies,” he explained. “And everything they do, by following his orders, they know full well that they are accomplices in this illegal activity.”
“If someone runs for election [and] gains legitimacy, we will talk to anyone, including Zelensky,” Putin added.
The 2022 Istanbul offer is still on the table
Putin revisited the Istanbul format of peace talks held in 2022, saying that Kiev had initially agreed to the terms before backing out under Western pressure. He singled out former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for allegedly sabotaging the negotiations.
“We reached a deal in Istanbul, and the Ukrainians even initialed the document,” Putin said. “But then Mr. Johnson flew in with his impressive hairstyle and told them to fight to the last Ukrainian.”
Putin’s comments suggest that Moscow is still open to resuming talks under the same conditions proposed in Istanbul – though no specific terms were outlined.
Russia is advancing across the front line
Putin described the daily advances of Russian forces along the front line, claiming they are “taking back territory in kilometers, not just meters.” He framed the military campaign as steadily successful despite mounting Western aid to Ukraine.
“Our troops are advancing every day. We are not moving in meters – we are reclaiming entire square kilometers,” Putin asserted.
He did not specify where these advances were occurring but stressed that Moscow remains focused on securing its objectives.
Ukraine taking “colossal losses” in Kursk
Putin stated that Ukrainian forces are suffering heavy casualties in personnel and Western-supplied military hardware in combat in Kursk Region. He claimed that Kiev’s incursion into the Russian region made “no military sense” but was driven by desperation.
“They send their best assault units to slaughter in Kursk. The losses are colossal: bodies of Ukrainian soldiers cover the forest floors, and NATO-supplied tanks like Abrams, Leopards, and Bradleys litter the battlefield.”
He also noted that the Russian military has already destroyed more armored vehicles in Kursk alone than throughout all of last year’s campaign over a much larger land area.
The Kiev regime is a ‘Neo-Nazi’ Tool of the West
Putin once again branded the Ukrainian government a “neo-Nazi regime” propped up by the West to destabilize Russia. He depicted the war as part of a broader Western strategy aimed at weakening Russian sovereignty.
“This regime in Kiev is neo-Nazi by nature and serves as a tool of the West to attack Russia. They are being used, nothing more,” Putin claimed.
Ukraine responsible for murder of Russian general in Moscow
Putin accused Kiev of orchestrating the assassination of Russian General Igor Kirillov, who headed up the country’s chemical defense forces, in Moscow earlier this week, calling it a “terrorist act.”
“The Kiev regime has repeatedly resorted to terrorism, committing attacks against Russian citizens and military leaders both within our borders and abroad,” Putin alleged.
Zelensky likely to eventually move abroad
Putin speculated that Zelensky might leave Ukraine if the situation worsens for his government. He suggested that Western powers would facilitate his relocation once he becomes more of a liability than an asset.
“Soon, there won’t be anyone left in Ukraine willing to fight. When that happens, Zelensky will likely flee abroad, just like other Western-installed leaders before him [in other countries],” Putin said.
More ethnic Ukrainians live in Russia than Ukraine
Putin asserted that more ethnic Ukrainians live in Russia than in Ukraine itself, referencing historic migration patterns and the population of Russia’s new territories. Even before the population movements of the 2010s, Russian regions such the Kuban and the Far East already had millions of people with Ukrainian roots.
“Millions of Ukrainians already live in Russia – possibly more than remain in Ukraine today. Crimea, the Donbass, and other regions have returned home, and many have voluntarily relocated here,” he stated.
