“The main thing for us is to inform the world about the ongoing Russian aggression, about the destabilizing influence that Russia exerts. When the world is focused on combating war, energy and food crises, the destruction of customary international relations, the climate agenda is clearly suffering. And the destruction of the climate cannot somehow be put on hold… Therefore, anyone who is serious about the climate agenda should also be serious about the need to immediately stop Russian aggression, restore our territorial integrity, and force Russia into genuine peace negotiations. Into such negotiations, which we have repeatedly proposed, and to which we always received insane Russian responses with new terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail. Once again – restoration of territorial integrity, respect for the UN Charter, compensation for all damages caused by the war, punishment of every war criminal and guarantees that this will not happen again. These are completely understandable conditions” – President Volodymyr Zelensky (07.11.2022).
Today is the 258 days since the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine on the 24th February 2022. Again the Ukrainian President is pleading to the world. As the war is raving and the missiles of Russia is hitting critical infrastructure in Ukraine. There are so many vicious acts done by the invader. Still the leadership of Kyiv is keeping their heads cool and collected.
The Russian Federation and it’s armies are still on Ukrainian soil. The Russian armies have been retreating and the Ukrainian forces have been defended their territories. They are able with time to not only hold the front-lines, but get further into the territories the Russians invaded since February. They have also been able to take back territories, which the Russian had taken with the usage of “separatists” in Donbass.
We know this war already has massive consequences not only on the battlefields, as the Russian armies has been destroyed and stopped in their tracks. The Ukrainian defensive forces has also been hit. There are thousands of in-action personnel that has died. However, there is others who has been hit by this.
OHCHR has reported this: “From 24 February to 6 November 2022, OHCHR recorded 16,462 civilian casualties in Ukraine: 6,490 killed and 9,972 injured” (OHCHR – Ukraine: Civilian casualties as of 24:00 6 November 2022, 07.11.2022). That’s the just the civilians they have reported. Most likely much worse and higher numbers, as the shelling, the air-raids and the missiles has created more casualties than this. It isn’t like the Russian air-force or drones for that matter has tried only to hit military installations. No, the Russian air-force has hit everything and everyone in their path.
That’s why Zelensky’s words are reasonable… not that Kremlin or Moscow will accept it. They wanted Kyiv to surrender and get annexed. The regime in Moscow didn’t want a strong or a viable neighbour. They wanted a puppet and a bunch of “yes-men” running business in Kyiv. That’s why they have vilified the leadership of Kyiv and claimed obnoxious things about the people of Ukraine.
We know that Putin will not accept this, because for him and his allies. The war and the “Special Operation” is all justified. The war was issued with the interests of great Russia. They were returning old territories to Russia. However, Ukraine isn’t accepting that and the sovereign state is defending itself. The reasons for attacking Ukraine has changed from Russia. Nevertheless, the key has always been about superiority and resurrecting the Russian Empire. Putin couldn’t do that without Ukraine. Ukraine was just supposed to die, so he could live in glory. That’s all that mattered to Kremlin and the rulers of Russia.
That’s why the words of Zelensky won’t go anywhere in Russia. Putin will not listen or even care. The words of Zelensky is just hot-air to him. This is why these words are sort of futile, but shows the difference between Kyiv and Moscow at the moment. There are reasonable requests from Kyiv, while we know Moscow will act like a victim and want more. They will not accept to give anything or such.
No, they only wants Kyiv to give way and buy peace. The mighty Russia isn’t supposed to bow down to anyone. Especially, not the likes of Ukraine. However, on the battlefields right now. The Russians are losing and Ukraine is slowly winning. That must hurt the pride of Kremlin. They are not superior, but losing at their own game.
Time will tell. Zelensky is smart, but will Putin listen? I would say no… there is no suggestion that he will. He will only talk when he has the upper-hand and that’s not now. Peace.
MinBane 