Although Russia, which started the invasion operation in Ukraine, stated that it did not target civilians, many people lost their lives. While the war continues on its 15th day, in a statement made by the Office of the President of Ukraine, it was stated that Russia changed tactics and now civilian settlements are targeted rather than military facilities.
Mikhail Podolyak, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, answered questions about the Russian-Ukrainian war and the negotiation process between Kyiv and Moscow at the Presidential Labor Office in the capital, Kiev.
Stating that Russia’s attacks in Ukraine continued very intensely, Podolyak said that Moscow wanted to make the Kyiv administration accept its political conditions.
“THATCH CHANGED”
Stating that the Moscow administration wants to seize a large region of Ukraine, Podolyak said that the Russian forces changed their tactics.
Stating that the Russian forces hit the military infrastructure, military airports, command and control centers in the first days of the war to break the resistance of Ukraine and the civilian population, Podolyak said, “Now their tactics have changed. They are trying to besiege large cities, towns and small towns where the civilian population is concentrated. They’re trying to create humanitarian crisis points.” said.
“PURPOSE TO PUT INTO PANIC AIR”
Podolyak noted that with this new strategy, it is aimed to prevent the people living in Ukraine from accessing basic civil needs such as food, medicine and evacuation measures by putting them in a panic mood.
Stating that the Russian forces are trying to besiege Ukraine, Podolyak said, “Our people are dying, children are dying, schools, kindergartens and hospitals are being destroyed, energy substations, that is, almost all of our civilian infrastructure, are under attack.” he said.
Podolyak emphasized that the Russian forces aimed to inflict maximum damage to civilians and to cause widespread panic among the population.
Noting that the Russians are attempting to take control of critical infrastructure facilities such as nuclear power plants by “occupation”, Podolyak said, “Their aim is to create a global impact in Eastern Europe with the damage they will cause.” he said.
Stating that the Russians used tactics to provoke panic in the city by seizing Kiev, Podolyak said, “They are trying to block the main arteries to which supplies are provided to Kiev. They definitely want to evacuate people, especially civilians, women, children and the elderly, from hospitals.” he said.
CAN THE RUSSIANS TAKE KIEV?
Asked whether Russian forces will be able to capture Kiev, Podolyak said: “It is unlikely that Russia, in principle, will succeed in entering Kiev with a ground operation. Today, Ukraine’s mobilization is at the highest level. People want to defend their country, and they will do it.” gave the answer.
Stating that he is in favor of the evacuation of women, children and the elderly, Podolyak continued as follows:
“Once again, I repeat, the Russians do not fight taking into account all the rules of conduct of military operations. They are still fighting not with the army, but with the civilian population. They do not know how to fight with the army.”
Pointing out that many Ukrainians do not want to leave Kiev, Podolyak said, “Because no one wants to lose their home, everyone is trying to protect it.” used the phrase.
Podolyak noted that the whole of the country was attacked and it was not understood that this would still be possible in the 21st century.
“RUSSIAN APPLIES TO TACTICS USED IN SYRIA”
Emphasizing that Russia changed tactics in the war against Ukraine, Podolyak said, “The tactics of the Russians have changed. Now they are resorting to the tactics used in Syria. They have put into practice the tactics of besieging large cities and creating the most severe humanitarian disasters there.” made its assessment.
DO NEGOTIATIONS BRING RESULTS?
Referring to the negotiations with Russia, Podolyak said, “I think the negotiation process will develop a reconciliation agreement in the most appropriate way. So, in principle, I think we will approach a ceasefire in the near future.” said.
Stating that Russia did not have reliable information about the situation in Ukraine on the eve of the war and that inaccurate information was presented for decision makers, Podalyak said, “They certainly did not understand the mood in Ukraine and accordingly they drew wrong conclusions, and therefore their war does not go with the scenario they planned.” he said.
Stating that they will not accept the demands of the Moscow administration in the negotiations, Podolyak said:
“This is why Ukraine does not die on the battlefields. We have a 700-kilometer front line. Imagine that. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians defending their homes participate in the defense. Of course, with this heroism, Ukraine will definitely not accept the Russian Federation’s first ultimatum demands. This is not possible in principle.”
THE ROLE OF TURKEY
Podolyak stated that Russia had no strategic success on the Ukrainian front and that the war should end with a ceasefire and declaration of peace.
Pointing out that the Russian administration should objectively evaluate the military situation in Ukraine, Podolyak said, “Then we will approach the negotiations in a more pragmatic way.” used the phrase.
In his evaluation of the mediation activities of some countries, especially Turkey, between Moscow and Kyiv, Podolyak said, “We are very pleased that we have international partners trying to undertake a mediation mission, and Turkey plays an active role in this matter with the joint efforts of the international community.” said.
Regarding the meeting to be held in Antalya between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba under the mediation of Turkey, Podolyak said, “The session of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum will be the second line of the negotiation process. It seems to me that Kuleba will give Lavrov a more objective picture. This will allow them to go somewhere in the negotiation process, to reach some kind of compromise.” he said. (AA)