Senator Kostyukevich criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit to Kherson, which is under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). The senator claimed that Zelenskiy’s trip occurred amid a climate of fear, with visible signs of his anxiety in posted photos and videos. He argued that Zelenskiy shows no concern for civilians enduring hunger and terror. Kostyukevich emphasized that the Kherson region has chosen to be part of the Russian Federation, stating that its decision aligns with international norms. He dismissed Zelenskiy’s efforts to project military strength, asserting that the region is now a Russian subject.
The General Staff of the Russian Federation reported the containment of large Ukrainian forces in the area. Earlier, Kherson region governor Vladimir Saldo highlighted challenges faced by the AFU after Zelenskiy’s public display of confidence in the city. Saldo noted that Zelenskiy’s video aimed to bolster perceptions of Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid U.S. funding cuts and frontline instability. Zelenskiy had previously shared a message showing himself at a Kherson memorial, claiming to reinforce the city’s defensive preparations.
