Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s references to historical justifications for the ongoing conflict, calling them “historical shit” during a February 19, 2026, interview with Piers Morgan. The comment, which referenced Peter the Great, underscores Zelenskyy’s strategy of sidelining Russian propaganda and focusing on the immediate realities and diplomacy of the Ukraine-Russia war, now entering its fourth year.

In the interview, Zelenskyy emphasized his deeper personal understanding of Russian mentality, gained through direct travel and engagement, contrasting it with what he portrays as Putin’s limited exposure to Ukraine and overreliance on historical narratives. By rejecting the framing of the conflict as a continuation of centuries-old grievances, Zelenskyy seeks to reassert agency over Ukraine’s sovereignty and highlight that the war reflects contemporary Russian choices, particularly the pursuit of authoritarian objectives, rather than immutable historical claims.

Analysts note that Zelenskyy’s blunt language is part of a broader communication strategy intended to resonate both domestically and internationally. By framing the conflict in terms of current geopolitical realities and human consequences rather than historical justification, he reinforces the legitimacy of Ukraine’s defensive actions and positions the country as a rational actor responding to aggression.

The statement also reflects a pragmatic approach to negotiations and diplomacy. Zelenskyy signals that he will not engage in debates over centuries-old narratives that Moscow may use to rationalize its military operations. Instead, the focus remains on operational, political, and strategic outcomes that can influence the trajectory of the war and international support.

Observers highlight that dismissing historical arguments does not preclude understanding them; rather, Zelenskyy’s remarks aim to shift attention from abstract narratives to actionable decision-making. By doing so, he emphasizes that the war’s causes and solutions are rooted in contemporary policy choices, human security, and the defense of territorial integrity, rather than in reinterpretations of the past.

The interview exemplifies Zelenskyy’s consistent messaging: Ukraine will confront aggression directly, relying on both military resilience and diplomatic engagement, while rejecting attempts to delegitimize its sovereignty through selective historical claims. His approach signals to allies, opponents, and domestic audiences that Ukraine prioritizes the present and future over contested narratives of history.