PRESS RELEASE : There is no other answer than weapons to the genocide, mass killings and destruction that Russia commits in Ukraine – Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview with Corriere della Sera

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 23 August 2022.

Western countries should take into account that Russia’s victory in Ukraine will also mean its victory over NATO, so providing our country with the necessary weapons brings peace closer, not further away. This was stated by Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview with the Italian weekly Corriere della Sera.

“There is no other answer than weapons to genocide, arrests, concentration camps, mass killings and destruction. Weapons are required to liberate territory. The world is tired of war, but Europe, the West, regardless of the fate of the Ukrainian people who are fighting for survival, must also take into account that a victory in Ukraine for Moscow will mean a victory over NATO. And we are forced to state with regret that not all European countries provide the promised assistance,” said Mykhailo Podolyak.

He noted that the Kremlin uses various levers of influence on Europe to achieve a reduction in support for Ukraine in this war, including threats, energy blackmail, suspension of the operation of gas pipelines, etc.

“For the Russians, it is very important that Europe reduces its material and moral support for Ukraine. They will try to influence the vote through extremist groups of all types, telling people that they have no more money and it will be cold if they continue to support us,” explained the Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President.

“We know it’s going to be a very hard winter and it’s going to be very hard for Europeans, too, the prices of food and heating will rise. But this winter will also mark the end of Russia’s gas monopoly. And if the price for freedom is lowering the temperature in the house by two or three degrees, well, we will pay it. And Europe should be ready to do the same,” Mykhailo Podolyak stressed.

According to him, the cooperation between the government of Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and the team of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy was particularly fruitful. The Italian government immediately realized what was happening and immediately provided assistance.

“But we know very well that there are political forces in Italy that have supported Moscow for a long time and are now trying to return to power. However, we are sure that Italy will continue to defend its values of freedom – those that we, Ukrainians, also share,” Mykhailo Podolyak is convinced.