Thursday, March 20, 2014

Acting Ukrainian Defense Minister Ihor Tenyukh: 'I Am Prepared to Die for My Country'

At Der Spiegel, "Interview with Ukrainian Defense Minister Ihor Tenyukh":
SPIEGEL: Mr. Admiral, are you concerned about a possible war between Russia and Ukraine?

Tenyukh: The situation is serious. But our government is doing all it can to find a peaceful solution. I am proud of our officers and our soldiers on the Crimean peninsula. Despite the blockade imposed by Russian special units, they haven't allowed themselves to be provoked into firing a single shot.

SPIEGEL: Could that not also be a product of the Ukrainian army's weakness? Your ministry recently informed interim President Oleksandr Turchynov that only 6,000 soldiers out of a total of 41,000, and just one in six airplanes, are available.

Tenyukh: Of course Russia is vastly superior. But we stand with our weapons at hand ready to defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Many young men are now reporting to bear arms. I too am prepared to die for my country.

SPIEGEL: Might Ukraine attempt to take back the Crimea if it is annexed by Russia following the referendum?

Tenyukh: That is a question for the political leadership of our country. This so-called referendum won't just be seen by Ukraine as a violation of international law, rather by the entire world.

SPIEGEL: Yet many people on the Crimean peninsula sympathize with Russia.

Tenyukh: But there are more people there who are opposed to being annexed by Russia.
More.

Also, "Ticking Timebomb: Moscow Moves to Destabilize Eastern Ukraine," and "Crimea Sanctions: Europe Should Impose Stiffer Penalties."

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