The Ukrainian leadership has emphasized its right of self-defense against Russian troops, while hinting at possible attacks on military targets in Russia. “The world recognizes this right,” said presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak. NATO has agreed to long-term support for Ukraine.
Armin Sattler (text), Roland Winkler (image), Carina Kainz, Florian Zischka (video), Harald Lenzer (edit), all ORF.at
“Russia attacks Ukraine and kills civilians,” Podoliak wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “Ukraine will defend itself anyway, including attacks on Russian assassins’ depots and bases.” Earlier, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace declared that Ukraine’s attacks on Russian supply lines were legal.
Russia accused the West of openly encouraging Ukraine to attack Russia. The West should heed Russia’s warnings about reactions that would trigger attacks on Russian territory, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
NATO wants to train Ukrainian soldiers
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels that NATO is ready to provide Ukraine with long-term support – even for years. This includes retraining soldiers from old Soviet equipment to modern Western equipment. “We have to be prepared for the long term,” says Stoltenberg. It is possible that this war will last for months or even years.
Russia intensifies attacks in the east
Meanwhile, Russia is stepping up its attacks in the east and south of the country, according to Ukrainian sources. The Russian military is stepping up its offensive operations, the Ukrainian military command said on Thursday about the situation on the main front in the east. There was intense bombardment from almost every direction. Kiev is also “not a safe city yet,” warned Mayor Vitali Klitschko before returning to the city.
Dramatic request for help from steelmaker Azov
In a dramatic appeal from the Mariupol steelworks, surrounded by Russian troops, Azov’s Ukrainian regiment asked the Kiev government for help. Fighters are increasingly wondering why Kiev is not keeping its promises and is alone against artillery, ships and planes, a commander said in a video message. About 1,000 civilians would be in the plant’s bunkers.
UN chief on mediation trip to Kiev
A meeting between UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also scheduled for Thursday in Kiev. Before that, Guterres visited the two cities Borodjanka and Bucha, which were severely affected by the Russian war of aggression. “War is absurd in the 21st century,” he said.
The Ukrainian judiciary launched investigations into ten Russian soldiers for alleged war crimes in Bucha. Members of the Russian army’s 64th motorized infantry brigade are accused, among other things, of “cruel treatment of civilians”, the attorney general’s office said.
Debate: What resources does the West have?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been at war in Ukraine for several weeks now, and there is no end in sight. Solidarity with Ukraine unites Europe and the US. What means does the West have to end the war? What are the consequences of alleged crimes against civilians? How could a political solution be?
Discuss with debate.ORF.at!