In a speech describing European leaders who support Ukraine as “piglets,” and accusing them of wanting to “feast on the collapse of Russia,” Vladimir Putin has once more made it clear that his demands for a peaceful end to his war of attrition have not changed . . . nor will they.

At a meeting of Defense Ministry officials on Wednesday, Putin said:

“The goals of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. If the opposing side and their foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive discussions, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands through military means.” [Thomas Grove, Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2025.]

Those goals include, most notably and most controversially, Ukraine’s agreement to cede some 20% of its territory to Russia, to permanently surrender its hope of joining NATO, and to limit its future defense capabilities to a level acceptable to Putin.

What was unusual about Putin’s latest statement was his use of the derogatory term “podsviniki,” or “little pigs,” when referring to Ukraine’s allied European leaders. While he has frequently been known to resort to gutter language when describing adversaries or targets of his repression, this was different. And it was not uttered in the same sense as Donald Trump’s calling a female reporter “piggy” for asking a question he didn’t like.

According to one analyst, this was intended to depict the European heads of state as followers, rather than leaders — allegedly weak and dependent upon the United States — and to sow discord among the European alliance members themselves. [Steve Gutterman, RFE/RL, December 18, 2025.]

It makes sense. Since Trump’s offering of a 28-point “peace plan” that would have granted Putin’s entire wish list and left Ukraine shrunken and defenseless, Europe’s “Coalition of the Willing” have jumped in to fill the void, increasing aid to Ukraine and simultaneously shoring up their own defenses against possible future incursions by Russia. The last thing Putin wants is a stronger, more united European front on his western border . . . or a weakened Donald Trump.

So he does what comes naturally: He wields his metaphorical sword, exaggerates his country’s military and economic capabilities, assigns blame against anyone and everyone but himself, and threatens to take all of Ukraine by force if necessary — despite his failure to have done so over the past four years.

And, like a third-grade schoolyard bully, he calls the good guys “piglets.”

As if they’re foolish enough to give a damn.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
12/19/25