Vladimir Putin celebrates 74th birthday amid criticism of U.S.-Russia deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated his 74th birthday this week, receiving numerous congratulatory messages from leaders across the post-Soviet space, including heads of state from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Iran, Turkey, and several Central Asian nations.

Amid the celebrations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized a recent agreement between Washington and Moscow, describing it as a “birthday gift for Putin.” Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the timing of the announcement, suggesting that the U.S. move to ease certain sanctions serves as a “smoke screen” while Ukrainian, American, and European officials negotiate security guarantees in Miami.

The Ukrainian leader warned that relaxing sanctions without a permanent agreement to limit hostilities demonstrates weakness and could allow Russia to continue its war effort and damage global stability. In response, Zelenskyy proposed a reciprocal arrangement where Kyiv would cease attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow stops targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.