We see that the world is a little afraid of Putin and his cruelty. Many politicians have seen people killed, apartment blocks destroyed by missiles, and they thought it would be better not to intervene directly. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of neutrality. If anyone believes that the Kremlin killer confines himself to Ukraine, they will soon see how wrong s/he was. So, if the civilised world does not support our struggle and protect the sky above Ukraine, other countries will have to face Russian barbarism,” Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Andrii Deshchytsia told “Gazeta Polska.”
Mr Ambassador, what help does Ukraine expect from Poland now? What’s the most important thing? How can we support your struggle for an independent state?
First of all, I would like to thank Poland for the help we have already received. The Polish state, the self-governments and Poles have supported us since the beginning of this terrible war. I am grateful and touched because I have never seen so much social excitement. That’s heartening and heartwarming. I know that thousands, indeed millions, of my compatriots who are fighting for freedom today are built up with the support of Poles. Today, it is crucial for Ukraine to protect its sky. That is why we appeal to NATO member states: Stop Putin’s shelling! Poland is a member of the Pact and can support Ukraine’s efforts. I know that the Polish authorities have nothing against it, but it is necessary to persuade others. We are counting on Poland’s commitment today.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that NATO’s lack of agreement to close the airspace over Ukraine is a green light for the Russian bombing.
That’s exactly how it is. That’s a green light. We see that the world is a little afraid of Putin and his cruelty. Many politicians have seen people killed, apartment blocks destroyed by missiles, and they thought it would be better not to intervene directly. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of neutrality. If anyone believes that the Kremlin killer confines himself to Ukraine, they will soon see how wrong s/he was. So, if the civilized world does not support our struggle and protect the sky above Ukraine, other countries will have to face Russian barbarism. This is the time of unity. We will win if we are truly united.
The NATO Secretary-General sees it differently. In his view, greater involvement of the Alliance states would lead to the war spilling over to other European states.
I do not agree with that assessment. In our view, the exact opposite is true. Engagement will give a chance for peace; passivity only encourages the invader. The best proof of this is what Putin has done so far. He regards it as approval. If we resist this aggression with all our strength, we will stop it. Russia is not invincible.
Putin had to review his plans in Ukraine. He was hoping for a quick decision, but he’s stuck, and I assure you, we’re going to surprise him again and again and thwart his plans. But we need NATO’s support. We need solidarity. It can hardly be taken as a sign of just standing by and watching innocent people die, the hordes of refugees. How many more people have to die, burn alive in bombed houses, flee to other countries with their children so that the West will understand it is also its business? The whole world has already seen what Putin’s Russia is capable of. He has completely exposed himself. He murders, destroys, blackmails the world by polluting it with a nuclear power plant.
What more do you need? It cannot be ruled out that an unstoppable person will do the worst. He’s got nothing left to lose. We have a lot to lose for that. Not just our freedom, our country, our homes, all our achievements so far. Values are at stake – human rights, democratic values, in short, the basis of European culture. Together, we can end Russia’s delinquent policy once and for all. Only together can we get rid of this monster. I can’t imagine it’s any different. There is no way back to what was before the attack on my country. Even if the war were over today, would anyone in Europe still be able to do business with criminals? Business as usual? Who would shake hands with them? Who would take pictures with them? That’s no longer possible.
Mr Ambassador, 10 days ago Putin did not become a murderer. He’s been killing people for two decades. He committed genocide against the Chechen people, and plenty of politicians thought it was no big thing and that they could shake hands with him, take pictures with him and do business.
Awareness of the bestiality of Putin and the Russian soldiers in Chechnya has not reached the general public. Most people in the West just didn’t know and still don’t know. It’s different now. The whole world is watching this war online. People see destroyed cities and houses, women and children fleeing.
They see this Russian cruelty and do not let their politicians forget it. Today, Putin is a murderer for every person in Warsaw, Berlin, Paris or London and will remain a murderer. The situation has changed, support actions for Ukraine and protests against the war are being organised all over the world. I hope that these social movements will influence the decisions of their governments.