Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky used obscene language to insult Russian President Vladimir Putin following remarks the latter made about a potential “high-tech duel” between the Russian Oreshnik missile and Western air defense systems. Zelensky referred to Putin as a “dumbass,” sparking swift criticism from the Kremlin.
During Putin’s marathon Direct Line event on Thursday, he claimed that Western air defenses would stand no chance against the Oreshnik and proposed a real-world test: “Let them designate a target in Kiev, concentrate all their air defense systems there, and we will strike with the ‘Oreshnik’ to see what happens. We are ready for such an experiment. Is the other side ready?”
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He further discussed the idea during an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin for the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin program on the Russia 1 channel. The president stated that Russia is ready for such a duel “right now, even today,” suggesting launching an attack using the Oreshnik to challenge Western-supplied air defenses, particularly those stationed in Kiev.
“It can be done elsewhere,” Putin said, emphasizing that Kiev was chosen as an example because it already has “a serious air defense system organized by Western countries.” He further added, “Let them turn everything on, including missile defense systems and anti-missile interceptors deployed on duty in Romania and Poland.”
Zelensky reacted with visible outrage “People are dying, and he thinks it’s ‘interesting’… dumbass,” the Ukrainian leader said.
The Kremlin quickly responded to Zelensky’s comments. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Zelensky of lacking composure under pressure. “It appears to be the result of emotional overload, an inability to pull himself together, hence this rudeness. His nerves are failing,” Peskov told Zarubin.
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Peskov also criticized Zelensky for “insulting” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has attempted to mediate the conflict. Zelensky previously dismissed Orban’s role, saying Kiev does not need such intermediaries.