Ukrainian Leader Says Donetsk Operation Under Way
Ukrainian Leader Says Donetsk Operation Under Way
Ukraine’s parliament has been told by its speaker [and acting president] Olexander Turchynov that the counter-terrorist operation has begun in the north of Donetsk region, but it will be both phased and measured.
“The counter-terrorist operation began on Tuesday morning [April 15] in the north of Donetsk region. It will be conducted in a phased, responsible, measured manner, since its objective is to protect Ukraine’s citizens,” Turchynov said.
He acknowledged that the Donetsk region is in “immense danger”, and set out the reasons why the counter-terrorist operations is so complicated.
“Aside from the Russian spetsnaz forces and terrorists, there are hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens who have been taken in by Russian propaganda, and hundreds of thousands of entirely innocent Ukrainians,” he said.
“For that reason, any counter-terrorist operations need to be carried out in as measured and responsible a way as possible. Their aim is to protect people.”
Turchynov also addressed the protesters now picketing the Supreme Rada, saying, “I am appealing to anyone who wishes to display heroism. We are reconfiguring Interior Ministry [police] units in the east. Go and join the police or volunteer for the National Guard or the army. Smashing the Supreme Rada’s windows isn’t heroism.
This article republished from Ukrainska Pravda with kind permission.
