“If Kiev’s partners are afraid to use their weapons to attack Russia, the Ukrainians will use their weapons,” said Valery Zalushny, chief of staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. “Why should I ask someone for permission to do something in enemy territory?” he said. Despite Western concerns about Putin’s reaction, he also announced that he would not abandon his bid to retake Crimea.
In an interview with the Washington Post, Valery Zalushny, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, said, “Why should I ask anyone for permission to do something in enemy territory to save my people?” “For some reason, I don’t think I’m allowed there.” Why? Because Putin is using nuclear weapons? Dying children don’t care,” he said. As he declared, it was up to Ukraine to decide “how to kill the enemy.”
– It is possible and necessary to kill in his territory during war. If our partners are afraid to use their weapons, we will kill our own. But only as much as needed, the commander noted.
Valery Zalushny Future publication by Yulia Ovsyannikova / Ugrinform/Getty Images
“I don’t care, nobody can stop me”
Despite Western concerns about Putin’s reaction, he also announced that he would not abandon his bid to retake Crimea.
– As soon as I have the means, I will do something. I don’t care, no one can stop me.
Załużny’s frustration with words from the West
Contrary to what Western leaders say Ukraine has what it takes to succeed on the battlefield, Załużny said there is still some evidence of that. He also expressed frustration with those who say Ukraine doesn’t need F-16 fighter jets. Western forces would “never fight like this,” he noted, without air superiority.
Ukrainian soldiers in DonbassPAP/EPA/OLEG PETRASYUK
The Ukrainian general also spoke of his efforts to transform the military from the Soviet Union to a Western model, including changing the “feudal” relationship between commanders and subordinates. He noted that the new generation of officers are well educated and know English. “It’s a shame we’re losing them,” he added.
Zaluzny told the daily that he was detained at Brussels airport in 2019 because Russia put his name on Interpol’s wanted list. He also said that this short chapter inspired him to study international law and international relations. He graduated in December 2020.
Main photo source: Future publication by Yulia Ovsyannikova / Ugrinform/Getty Images
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