During a recent meeting with the Business Russia group, Russian President Vladimir Putin made fun of Western leaders in a way that surprised many people. In a rare moment where he spoke freely and not from a prepared speech, he shared his frustration and mocked other world leaders.
The comment came after Western countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Poland, warned Russia that more sanctions would follow if it didn’t agree to a temporary 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine to allow peace talks. The leaders had met in Kyiv to send a strong message to Russia and push for an end to the war.
While many expected Putin to react carefully, especially given how much pressure the Russian economy is already under, he instead made fun of the Western leaders. Referring to their decisions to push more sanctions, he said, “You’d think they wouldn’t do this or that since it hurts them too – but nope, they still do it. Morons.”
People on the video call laughed at the blunt insult, but Putin quickly shifted back to a more serious tone, realizing the topic was no joke. He added, “Sorry. But really, the biggest economies are slipping into recession just to make a point against us.”
His comment showed a side of Putin rarely seen in public – showing emotion and stepping away from his usual strict tone. It was also risky, as mocking other world leaders just days before peace talks could damage already tense international relationships.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he would be heading to Turkey for peace discussions and said he would be waiting for Putin to attend personally. Putin, on the other hand, has not confirmed if he’ll show up for the meeting. The Kremlin hasn’t said who – if anyone – will represent Russia in Turkey.
There are also rumors that former U.S. President Donald Trump might try to attend the talks as well, though nothing has been confirmed. If Putin does decide to go, it would be a major moment in the conflict and one that could shape what happens next in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
