Putin is 'bluffing', sanctions hurting Russian military economy: Zelenskyy

New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 14, 2025 00:12 IST

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told US President Donald Trump and European leaders that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “bluffing” about his ability to conquer Ukraine and withstand sanctions.

“I told the President of the United States and all our European colleagues, ‘Putin is bluffing,’” Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

He accused Moscow of exaggerating its strength while hiding the toll of the war. “Russia is trying to portray itself as capable of occupying the whole of Ukraine. This is undoubtedly their desire,” he said. “Putin is also bluffing, pretending that sanctions are not important to him and that they are not working. In reality, the sanctions are very helpful and are hitting the Russian military economy hard.”

Zelenskyy acknowledged Russia’s advantage in firepower, noting it has “three times more artillery,” but stressed that it also suffers “three times more losses. And that is a fact.”

The Ukrainian leader said he had made clear in talks with Trump and other Western allies that “Putin definitely does not want peace. He wants to occupy our country, and we all understand that very well. Putin cannot fool anyone.”

“I very much hope that some agreement will be reached, because so far all the talks held with Putin have ended only with him increasing military presence, intensifying attacks,” Zelenskyy said.

Chancellor Merz said European leaders were working to “steer the Alaska meeting between Trump and Putin in the right direction” as expectations mount ahead of the talks.

- Ends

Tune In