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Putin Scoffs at Zelenskyy’s Kupiansk Visit While Repeating Claims Few Outside Russia Believe
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Russian leader Vladimir Putin publicly dismissed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to the frontline city of Kupiansk, mocking a video filmed at the city’s entrance while insisting that Russian forces still control the area during his annual televised call-in show on December 19.
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Putin questioned whether Zelenskyy’s appearance near the Kupiansk city sign actually reflected the situation on the ground.
“The sign is about a kilometer away from the city itself,” Putin said. “Why stand on the doorstep? Come into the house. If Kupiansk is really under their control.”
Putin on Zelensky’s appearance in Kupiansk:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 19, 2025
Zelensky is a talented actor without any irony. There’s nothing unusual.
That sign is about one kilometer away from town. But why do you film yourself in front of a sign? Why you’re standing outside the house? Just enter the house if… pic.twitter.com/rufxe6omoR
Putin also referred to the Ukrainian president as a “talented artist,” suggesting the footage was meant to create a political impression rather than demonstrate territorial control.
Zelenskyy visited Kupiansk on December 12, releasing a video filmed near the city’s entrance shortly after Russian officials had reported to the Kremlin that the city was under Russian control. The visit was widely interpreted in Ukraine and abroad as a direct rebuttal to those claims.
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During the same appearance, Putin reiterated that Kupiansk remains under Russian control and claimed that Ukrainian forces in the area are surrounded.
“About 3,500 Ukrainian servicemen are encircled near Kupiansk,” Putin said, adding that they have “virtually no chance” of breaking out. Ukraine has not confirmed those claims.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his recent visit to Kupiansk had a direct and significant impact on discussions with Western partners, reinforcing evidence that the Russian leader is misrepresenting the situation on the ground and strengthening Ukraine’s position in talks with both Washington and European capitals.
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
