France 24 Weekly Review: India's Gen Z Protests and the Trump–Zelensky Rift

France 24, the French international news channel, devoted its weekly programme "The World This Week" on 16 October to two main developments: the Indian authorities' handling of youth protests and tension between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine.

India: protest crushed before it began

In India, the Cockroach movement, made up largely of Gen Z activists, met a harsh response from the state this week. Thousands of protesters were rounded up and held in sports stadiums and community halls converted into makeshift detention centres. The movement's founder, Abhijeet Dipke, was arrested on arrival and, according to the programme, was detained again today.

The planned mass demonstration over alleged voter fraud was effectively stopped before it could start. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government says the measures were needed to protect civilians in the capital. Critics, however, accuse him of choosing repression over democracy. The UN Human Rights Office has urged the authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly.

Ukraine: blame and accusations of betrayal

In Ukraine, the week was marked by finger-pointing and accusations of betrayal. President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of his personal hurt at US President Donald Trump's decision to strike a "diesel deal" with the Kremlin ahead of the US midterm elections. Zelensky called the move "weak" and suggested Trump had chosen "the other side".

Trump, for his part, made clear that he wants Zelensky replaced and warned him against striking Russian refineries. He also announced an energy ceasefire, saying both sides had agreed to it, but it went nowhere. Zelensky continued to look for solidarity and a solution in Europe.

Host Gavin Lee is joined by commentators Anne-Elisabeth Moutet, John Sweeney, Victor Mallet and Suhasini Raj.