:format(webp)/nginx/o/2026/09/28/17944319t1hf753.png "Zakharova and Former Aide Accuse Zelensky of Drug Use and NATO Control")
Russian Foreign Ministry Accuses Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Drug Dependency and NATO Control
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has alleged that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is “inadequate” and suffers from a severe addiction to illegal substances. Zakharova claims Zelenskyy functions as a “puppet” controlled by NATO, asserting that his mental state and legitimacy are now open questions.
Zakharova’s Allegations of Substance Abuse and Mental Instability
Maria Zakharova described Volodymyr Zelenskyy as resembling a “dehumanized body” that appeared to have spent significant time in prison. According to Zakharova, Zelenskyy is not merely using but is “strongly dependent” on illegal substances, a condition she claims is no longer possible to hide. She questioned whether the Ukrainian president remains “sane,” shifting the discourse from his political legitimacy to his mental competence.
Claims of NATO Influence and External Control
The Russian spokesperson characterized the Ukrainian leadership as a tool of Western interests. Zakharova stated that Zelenskyy is a puppet, specifically describing him as a doll with a “NATO hand” inserted to guide his movements. This framing presents the Ukrainian presidency as a facade for direct military and political control by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Former Press Secretary’s Claims in Tucker Carlson Interview
Russian state media has highlighted an interview between American commentator Tucker Carlson and Yulia Mendeleeva, who served as Zelenskyy’s press secretary from 2019 to 2021. In the interview, Mendeleeva alleged that Zelenskyy frequently behaved in an inadequate manner. She stated she had “serious suspicions” that the president used cocaine during his tenure.
Comparative Framing of Ukrainian Leadership
Reports from various outlets show a consistent pattern in Kremlin-aligned narratives regarding the Ukrainian government.