Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appeared to mock US envoy Steve Witkoff for describing Vladimir Putin as «humanitarian» after Russian forces launched three waves of ballistic missiles at Kyiv.
In a pointed remark, Zelenskyy said: «Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian “humanitarians”.» The comment was a direct rebuke of Witkoff’s earlier praise for the Russian president, which drew criticism as Moscow continues its assault on Ukrainian cities.
The strikes on the Ukrainian capital came as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled. Zelenskyy’s remark underscored the gap between Washington’s envoy and the reality on the ground in Ukraine, where civilian areas have repeatedly come under attack.
Meanwhile, in France, authorities are preparing for a weekend of protests with a significantly increased security presence. Junior interior minister Jean-Didier Berger said the police presence will be «20% higher» than the previous weekend.
Reinforcements will include army personnel, elite police forces and gendarmerie, as the government seeks to maintain order during the demonstrations. The planned protests are part of a broader wave of unrest across the country.
The developments in Ukraine and France come as European leaders continue to grapple with the fallout from the war and domestic pressures. Macron’s government has faced repeated protests in recent months, and the heightened security measures reflect concerns about potential violence.
Zelenskyy’s criticism of Witkoff highlights the delicate balance of international diplomacy as Ukraine seeks to maintain Western support while confronting Russian aggression. The Ukrainian leader has consistently called for tougher action against Moscow and has warned against any suggestion that Putin can be trusted.
The missile strikes on Kyiv are the latest in a series of attacks that have targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian areas. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians and have urged allies to provide more air defence systems.
As the war continues, the international community remains divided on how to approach peace negotiations. Witkoff’s comments have added to the debate over the US stance, with critics arguing that praise for Putin undermines efforts to hold Russia accountable.
In France, the protests are expected to draw thousands of participants, and the government has vowed to prevent a repeat of the violence seen in previous demonstrations. The interior ministry has not specified which groups are organising the protests, but the heightened security suggests authorities are bracing for significant disruptions.
The situation in Europe remains fluid, with both the war in Ukraine and domestic unrest in France posing challenges for leaders. Zelenskyy’s remarks serve as a reminder of the human cost of the conflict, even as diplomatic efforts continue.
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