The rhetoric of Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in recent days has sparked widespread discussions both in Ukraine and Russia. Experts and commentators have noted that Putin has suddenly begun to use a much more polite and respectful tone than in previous years, foreign media report.
After the May 9 parade in Moscow, Putin unexpectedly referred to Zelensky as "Mr. Zelensky" during a conversation with journalists, which is a significant departure from his previous rhetoric since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
"I heard once again that the Ukrainian side, Mr. Zelensky, is ready for a personal meeting. Yes, I heard that. But we have heard this before. We have never refused, and I have not refused," Putin stated.
These remarks caused surprise, as the Russian leader had previously avoided calling Zelensky by his name or surname for a long time, often using various derogatory terms.
This was particularly evident at the beginning of the war in February 2022, when it became clear that Ukraine was not going to surrender to the Russian invasion. At that time, Putin, in an emotional address to the Ukrainian army, said: "Take power into your own hands. It seems that it will be easier for us to negotiate with you than with this gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis who have taken refuge in Kyiv and taken the entire Ukrainian people hostage."
Now, instead of such rhetoric, much more polite formulations are being used, and this has not gone unnoticed.
Military analyst Alexander Kovalenko writes: "Suddenly, Putin has started talking about being ready to meet with Mr. Zelensky to sign a final peace treaty. Another manipulation, but already in a completely different rhetoric."
This change has also elicited reactions within Russian propaganda circles. The Z-channel Alex Parker Returns writes: "Mr. Zelensky. Obviously, he is no longer the illegitimate leader of the Kyiv regime."
In turn, Russian military correspondent Vladimir Romanov publicly asks: "President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin: 'Mr. Zelensky.' So, Zelensky is no longer a drug addict and terrorist, but a gentleman?"
After the May 9 events, Putin made several more loud statements. He claimed that the war is nearing its end and expressed readiness to meet with Zelensky in a neutral territory. At the same time, he indicated that such a meeting would only be necessary to sign the final document, not to discuss the terms of peace.
Putin also commented on Armenia's desire to get closer to the European Union, making hints that many perceived as threats to Armenia's sovereignty. He once again referred to Russia's arguments about Ukraine's desire to integrate into the European Union.
Experts assess these changes in rhetoric differently. Some believe it is an attempt to change the public image and create the impression of readiness for negotiations, while others call it a tactical manipulation without real changes.
