The article reports on a confrontation between Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova and the EU ambassador to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová. Zakharova targeted Mathernová's criticism of Russian attacks which have left parts of Ukraine without electricity and heating amid severe winter conditions. The ongoing conflict has prompted Mathernová to voice concerns about the humanitarian catastrophe developing in Kyiv and other areas affected by such assaults. She has been vocal about the repercussions of these attacks on the local populace, highlighting the dire situation faced by millions of Ukrainians.

Amidst this political tension, Mathernová shared her own experience of having to sleep in a bathtub for safety during one of the massive Russian attacks involving drones and missiles, which further emphasizes the perilous living conditions besetting the Ukrainian people. Her candid sharing on social media sparked backlash from Zakharova, who criticized Mathernová not only for her comments but also for being a female diplomat engaging in such public displays of distress.

This incident illustrates the ongoing war of narratives between Russian and Ukrainian officials, with each side attempting to leverage humanitarian and diplomatic points to support their respective positions. The fierce debate about the legitimacy of responses to the humanitarian crisis reveals the complexities of diplomacy amid military conflict, highlighting how ordinary citizens’ experiences are often weaponized in these ideological battles.