Russian leader Vladimir Putin appeared visibly disheartened today as he arrived in Ukraine with the intent to secure a significant share in Ukraine’s gas transportation system—a goal he ultimately failed to achieve.

During a gloomy press conference in Kyiv, Putin stated that Russia is “ready to continue the dialogue” on energy issues, reflecting the Ukrainian government’s skepticism towards his proposal to merge Gazprom with Naftogaz. Despite this, Ukraine continues to hope for a revision of gas prices.

The tension surrounding the visit was amplified by a protest staged by FEMEN activists near the Lenin monument on the boulevard. Six topless women chanted slogans like “Putin, Touch Your Mistress, Not Ukraine,” “Ukraine Is Not Alina,” and “You Won’t Bend Us That Easily.” The slogans mocked Putin’s rumored relationship with gymnast Alina Kabaeva, with one sign sarcastically claiming, “Putin Confuses a Male Organ with a Finger, Mistaking Ukraine for Kabaeva.”

One of the protesters, 22-year-old feminist Yevhenia Krayzman, explained that she wasn’t afraid to endure the cold for Ukraine. Apologizing for her hoarse voice, she noted that she fell ill “not during the protests” and expressed her belief that “Putin came to seize another part of Ukraine.” The women also held dolls to their chests, symbolizing the controversial story of Putin’s alleged child with Kabaeva.

FEMEN’s demonstration lasted about 10 minutes and was attended mostly by journalists and passersby. The protestors made it clear that they oppose Putin’s governance, insisting that while he is free to have his mistress and children, he has no right to claim Ukraine.

This protest follows a similar FEMEN performance during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Ukraine, where an activist bared herself in front of the Presidential Administration, painted with bloody bear paw prints to symbolize the oppression felt under Russian influence.

FEMEN continues to use provocative methods to draw attention to their message, emphasizing that Ukraine is not a pawn to be traded in international negotiations.