Zelensky and Putin don't see eye to eye: what's behind their conflict and could it jeopardize negotiations?

On December 19, during a "Direct Line" session, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin stated that the medium-range ballistic missile "Oreshnik" is impossible to intercept. He proposed conducting a "technological experiment," referred to as a "high-tech duel of the 21st century."

"Let them choose a target to hit, say, in Kyiv, concentrate all their air defense and missile defense forces there, and we will strike with the 'Oreshnik.' And we'll see what happens. We are ready for such an experiment. In any case, we do not rule it out. We will conduct such an experiment, such a technological duel, and see what comes of it — it’s interesting," said Vladimir Putin.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to Putin's words and referred to him with an obscenity.

"People are dying, and he finds it 'interesting'... F***head," wrote President Zelensky.

Zelensky's Insult to Putin: Will It Affect Negotiations?

"I think Ukrainians use even harsher words to describe Putin than those the president used yesterday. Was it necessary to do this from a diplomatic standpoint? It's hard to say; I've seen various opinions, and some believe it shouldn't have been done since we might have to negotiate with the Russian Federation at some point," said Igor Reiterovich.

"Some say that sending Putin a message like this could derail negotiations. According to Putin's statements, it's already clear that he does not want to negotiate with Ukraine; he only wants to negotiate with the USA. Even before this 'Direct Line,' he stated several times that he does not recognize Zelensky as a legitimate president," declared Vladimir Fesenko.

Yesterday's events clearly confirmed that Zelensky and Putin do not perceive each other, making direct negotiations between them unlikely and pointless. However, negotiations are necessary, but not between the presidents, rather between authorized representatives of the two states.

Will Zelensky's Insult Impact His Image and Western Support?

Reiterovich reminded that Russians also use offensive epithets, including at the official level. The political scientist believes that the term "Nazi" is more offensive than what Zelensky said. Moreover, he does not think this significantly harmed the president's image, as it does not reflect any culture or lack thereof, but rather was a reaction to a phrase that is "hard to describe as anything other than cannibalistic."

However, according to him, Russians have started discussing some emotional and psychological fatigue on Zelensky's part. They will try to amplify this narrative, including in some European media. Reiterovich does not believe that yesterday's remark from the president could worsen partners' attitudes towards Ukraine. But some may take advantage of it — like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban or Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

"They might start saying that this is unacceptable, that there should be some rules of communication, and that a president cannot use such epithets regarding another president. The overwhelming majority of our other partners will take note of this, but I don’t think they will react officially," concluded the political scientist.

Fesenko noted that the Ukrainian president has previously insulted the Kremlin leader, and there is nothing new in Zelensky's remarks about Putin. The political scientist does not believe this will lead to significant changes in the image of the Ukrainian president.

According to the political scientist, while Zelensky's comments may not sit well with many in the West, they will not affect support for Ukraine.

"Moreover, many of our partners will understand our president well. They also want to curse Putin. But what is permissible for Zelensky is not acceptable for a traditional Western politician. From Zelensky's perspective, it will be accepted because of the war, and Putin has given reason for such cursing," explained Fesenko.

He concluded that there will be no negative consequences or changes in partners' attitudes towards Ukraine, as this is simply a matter of human emotion.

Recall that on December 19, the president's communications advisor Dmitry Litvin stated that Zelensky's obscenity was what the president wanted to express. According to him, there was indeed an instruction to publish a statement with such content verbatim.

On December 20, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that Zelensky spoke too harshly about Putin. He claimed that the Ukrainian president's outburst allegedly derailed negotiations.