THE Ukrainian chairman Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out yesterday Friday (18/11) the idea of declaring “short truce” with the Russiaarguing that this would only make the situation worse.
“Russia is now seeking a brief truce, a respite to regain its strength. We can see the end of the war, this respite would do nothing but make things worse.”the Ukrainian head of state said in his speech at the Halifax (Canada) international security forum.
THE “truly real, lasting and honest peace will come only with the complete destruction of the Russian aggression”added Mr. Zelensky.
Earlier yesterday the White House said that only Mr Zelensky could approve the start of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, denying that there was any pressure from the US government on Kyiv.
The head of the US National Defense Staff, General Mark Milley, has said twice recently that Ukrainian victories on the battlefield could open a window of opportunity for talks to resolve the conflict by political agreement.
The general also noted on Wednesday that he considers it unlikely, at least in the short term, that Ukrainian forces will expel Russian forces from all of the territory they hold, including the Crimean peninsula.
About 30% of Ukraine is mined
Around 30% of Ukraine’s territory is mined because of the war with Russia, Ukraine’s emergency response service announced yesterday.
In comparison, this is twice the area of the whole of Austria. The area and number of mines laid by the opposing sides has increased tenfold compared to the period before the conflict broke out on February 24, according to the same img.
Landmines have already been used in Ukraine since conflict broke out between the government army and pro-Russian separatists in Donbas, as the country’s eastern region is known, in 2014..
Demining operations are underway in recently recaptured sectors in the Kherson and Mykolife regions. These are lands with a total area of 8,000 square kilometers.
Source: News Beast
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