Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a pointed video message aimed directly at Russian President Vladimir Putin, opening with the assertion that "Putin hopes we have grown tired".
In his rare video massage, Zelensky maintained a defiant stance against the Kremlin while emphasizing the Russian leader's limitations. "We know he is flesh and blood", the Ukrainian president stated, adding that Putin "never understood us, and now he no longer has time to".
then reviewed Russia's original military objectives when it invaded his country. "You wanted to take all of our Ukraine, all of our land", he reminded the Russian president.
However, according to Zelensky, those plans produced a grim reality for Moscow instead. He detailed the heavy losses Russia has sustained throughout the conflict: "Instead, you lost your refineries, your fleet, your profits, and an entire generation that you sent to the meat grinder".
The Ukrainian leader also underscored the failure of Russia's attempt to eliminate his nation's sovereignty. "You wanted us off the map; now it is you who are not there", Zelensky declared in his address. He elaborated on Russia's deteriorating position on the world stage as a consequence of the war, stating that "you are not on the international agenda of future civilization".
Zelensky concluded his message by contrasting the empty promises of Moscow's leadership with the actual conditions faced by Russian citizens. "For 27 years, Russia's leader has spoken of greatness, while Russians stand in lines for gasoline," Zelensky concluded.
