‘Slave to war’: Zelenskyy slams Putin ahead of US-Russia-Ukraine talks in Geneva

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday delivered a sharp warning about Russia’s long-term intentions during high-stakes security discussions with European leaders at the Munich Security Conference. He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains fundamentally driven by war and unlikely to abandon his broader ambitions beyond Ukraine.

Addressing delegates in Munich, Zelenskyy portrayed Putin as increasingly detached from ordinary life and consumed by historical visions of power and territorial expansion.




He said, "Putin is no longer interested in anything else. Putin does not live like ordinary people. He doesn't walk the streets. You will not see him in a cafe. His grandchildren do not go to the normal, normal kindergartens in their hometown. He cannot imagine life without power or after power. Normal things do not interest him. Putin consults more with Tsar Peter and Empress Catherine about territorial gains than with any living person about real, real life. Can you imagine Putin without war? Be honest."

Zelenskyy further warned that even if the current phase of fighting were to subside, the threat of renewed or expanded conflict could persist for years. He argued, "Right now his focus is on Ukraine, and no one in Ukraine believes he will ever let our people go. But he will not let other European nations go either, because he cannot let go of the very idea of war. He may see himself as a Tsar, but in reality he is a slave to war. And if he lives another 10 years, we can understand it can be war can return or expand."

His remarks came as diplomatic efforts to explore a potential path toward ending the war gathered pace.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also speaking at the conference, questioned whether Moscow was genuinely prepared to negotiate an end to the conflict, now nearing its fifth year.

“We don't know if the Russians are serious about ending the war,” Rubio said, according to AFP, adding that uncertainty continued to surround Russia’s intentions despite ongoing diplomatic outreach.

The comments come ahead of fresh US-brokered talks between Russian and Ukrainian envoys scheduled to take place next week in Geneva. The discussions, confirmed by both the Kremlin and Zelenskyy’s communications adviser, are expected to occur just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as Western officials continue to push for a framework that could open the door to a negotiated settlement.