In response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, President Zelenskyy has made it clear that Ukraine would rather not fight.
“We have no need for another Cold War, or a bloody war, or a hybrid war”
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
However, the president adds that the independence of Ukraine will not be taken away. And “if we come under attack, if we face an attempt to take away our country, our freedom, our lives and lives of our children, we will defend ourselves. When you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs.”
A Plea for Peace
President Zelenskyy made a heart-felt, last-minute plea for peace before Putin’s declaration of military action came. Despite the Ukraine president rejecting Moscow’s claims that they are a threat to Russia, Putin felt the need to deploy the Russian military in order to “maintain peace” in eastern Ukraine.
In his response, the Ukraine president even went as far as to appeal to Russian citizens by publishing a plea for peace in Russian. In which he states, “The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace”.
Furthermore, the Ukraine president begged Putin to consider his move wisely. Warning that “this step could mark the start of a big war on the European continent.” Adding that “Any provocation, any spark could trigger a blaze that will destroy everything”.
Reports state that he had also asked to have a call with Putin late on Wednesday but received no reply.
President Zelenskyy Declares Martial Law
As one of the first steps, Ukraine’s president declared martial law throughout the country. In a video address to the nation, he states, “We’re introducing martial law on the whole territory of our country”. Furthermore, he has added that “We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country“.
Denazification?
In Putin’s statement to the public, he clearly outlines one of the main reasons for the military operation to be the denazification of Ukraine. He even goes as far as to say that Russia has no intention of occupying Ukraine. And that it simply wants to “demilitarize” what Russia recognises as a threat.
“Its goal is to protect people who have been subjected to bullying and genocide …. And for this, we will strive for the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine.”
President Vladimir Putin
In response to this Ukraine claims that this is a fabricated motive. And that although Russian media seeks to align Ukraine with Nazism, there is no evidence to support such accusations. On the contrary, the president asks how Ukraine could be considered Nazi supporters when they themselves lost eight million citizens fighting Nazis. Furthermore, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself is Jewish and asked “How could I be a Nazi?”.
Kyiv has said Putin is simply scratching for reasons to attack.
Airspace Closed
Ukraine State Air Traffic Services Enterprise has declared that the country’s airspace has been closed to civilian flights as of 00:45 GMT on Thursday, 24 February.
While the European Union Aviation Safety Agency added that airspace within 100 nautical miles of the borders between Ukraine, Belarus and Russia could pose safety risks.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said airspace in Russia and Belarus within 100 nautical miles of their borders with Ukraine could also pose safety risks. Stating that “ there is a risk of both intentional targeting and misidentification of civil aircraft”. This includes flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels.
A Supportive Approach
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, declared that “Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.”
And, while telling citizens willing to defend Ukraine to be ready to fight, President Zelenskyy also comforts the people. Telling them that “We are working. The army is working. The whole sector of defence and security is working”. And to remember, “No panic. We are strong, we are ready for everything, we will win over everybody because we are Ukraine.”