Ukraine's Shmyhal: Strikes on Russia a Message, NATO Tested
- Attacks on oil refineries in Russia are a form of direct communication with the Russians, stated Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in an interview with Estonian television ERR. He added that they should understand they must bear the costs of aggression against Ukraine. He also mentioned that Russians, by sending missiles to Polish territory, are testing NATO.
- I believe these attacks support the sanctions imposed on the Russian industry. Russia has suspended gas and diesel fuel exports, causing a shortage of fuel products at gas stations, emphasized Shmyhal, quoted on Friday on the ERR portal.
Ukraine's Prime Minister also commented on the United States' reaction to Ukrainian activity on Russian territory. Shmyhal stressed, "US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington does not encourage us to make these attacks but cannot stop us from fighting for freedom and independence".
During a meeting with Shmyhal in Tallinn, the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, expressed his position on attacks on military targets and other targets supporting the Kremlin's war machine, which is located in Russia. Karis stated that such attacks are justified.
"Testing NATO"
Shmyhal referred to the situation in Russia, noting that the Kremlin focuses on the military economy and that lessons have been learned from the last two years. Now, Russia is increasing its capabilities and mobilising more people.
- Russian authorities are testing NATO, sending missiles to Polish territory and drones to Romanian territory. History teaches that after such tests, Russia takes very specific steps, so the only way to ensure lasting, long-term peace on the European continent is to win this war on Ukrainian territory, stated Shmyhal.
Shmyhal also referred to a recent terrorist attack near Moscow and subsequent accusations by the Kremlin against the West and Ukraine. The Prime Minister of Ukraine stated that these events were certainly a false flag operation. Shmyhal explained that the so-called Islamic State took responsibility for the attack, but Moscow continues to blame Ukraine and is looking for a way to link the attack with Ukraine. Shmyhal stated that this was part of a hybrid war aimed at the whole of Europe.
"It's our choice"
Shmyhal emphasised that Ukrainian society is not exhausted by the war but merely tired, which is a perfectly natural state of affairs. He also stated that Ukraine cannot stop defending itself because it would simply perish. Shmyhal emphasised that Ukraine has the courage to protect its country and European values. - It's our choice - he added.
Shmyhal thanked Estonia for the extraordinary support given to Ukraine. The Prime Minister of Ukraine stated that Estonia is an excellent example for other countries. Shmyhal emphasised that Estonia's initiative to donate 0.25% of GDP towards military support for Ukraine is an example for other Ukrainian allies.
During the meeting in Brussels, NATO foreign ministers agreed that Ukraine should be guaranteed long-term financial and military support. The Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, reported that his country proposed to Alliance members to donate 0.25% of their GDP towards military support for Ukraine every year.
