A full-scale invasion of Russia will lead to a fierce resistance from Ukrainian population Expert

Interviews 10:20 24.02.2022

On 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order on the recognition of the independence of the so-called Donetsk and Lugansk regimes in Ukraine. It was a next step by the Russian Federation to intervene in the territory of Ukraine in violation of the norms of international law. On the same day, President Vladimir Putin signed military agreements with the separatist regimes to provide them with military aid. Under Putin's order, Russian troops have been sent to Donbass. 

Eurasia Diary presents an interview with Sebastian Schäffer, expert for Eastern and Central Europe regarding the impacts of Russian aggression on the current and future developments in Eastern Europe. 

Bir bir və ya daha çox şəxs və bunu deyən yazı

- Please tell us, what is the main aim of Russia’s recognition of the independence of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk regimes?

- I would say there are several aims to this. First of all, of course the further application of divide and conquer. To bring more territory under the control of the Russian Federation. Second, it is of course the further destabilization of Ukraine, which according to the Russian President should not have any statehood. Ultimately it is also targeting the increase of Moscow’s sphere of influence and geopolitical ambitions.

- Do you think that after the deployment of Russian Armed Forces in Donbass, will Ukraine face the serious attack of Russian troops, especially from the direction of Belarus and Black Sea?

- It certainly cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, I believe that a full-scale invasion will lead to fierce resistance from the Ukrainian army and population in general. It is much better equipped and also trained than 2014 and hopefully the reaction from the EU, US and also UK will be much more unified with regards to sanctions and other consequences. It is an overall unfathomable situation for me  and Ukraine needs our full solidarity to prevent any further escalation.

- You know that the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey and other European countries have provided the Ukrainian army with advanced weapons. At the same time Ukrainian military units, together with NATO forces held a series of drills. However, Ukrainian troops have not been ready to launch the large-scale operation to neutralize all separatist elements in Donbas. What is the main reason for that?

- Because Ukraine doesn’t want to escalate the situation. It was clear that there would be no possibility to comply with the Minsk agreement, if Ukraine would try to take back the separatist territories by force. The Kremlin did nevertheless falsely warn of such a development and used it for a pretext to recognize the separatist regions and ultimately send troops. I can only stress that there should be no doubt about who is the aggressor here: the Russian Federation. But at least now the cards are on the table and the Kremlin has officially become an active combatant.

-  What further threats would Russia pose to the security and stability in Easter Europe in the near future?

- I honestly do not know. Probably very few people do, maybe only Putin himself could answer this question. I did not want to believe that such a development would be considered a feasible option from the side of the Russian Federation, nevertheless they chose to recognize the separatist regions and even send troops. The public display during the Security Council meeting of the Russian Federation, which then led to the recognition worries me that the whole administration seems to be completely unhinged and willing to make further unreasonable decisions.

- According to some experts, after the strengthening of the Russian army in the region of Donbass, the Kremlin will try to annex Donetsk and Luhansk with Russia by referendum. What do you think about this?

- I think that this is one of the possible developments. We have seen this before and we should be very concerned about what such a development would mean for further breakaway regions and the stability in other countries of the region.

Yunis Abdullayev 

IEPF issued a statement regarding Azerbaijani children at the UN Human Rights Council

News line

Azerbaijan, Hungary explore interparliamentary ties
13:07 16.05.2025
Climate change is among FAO's priorities in Azerbaijan
12:33 16.05.2025
"Pashinyan's statement shows that Armenia not interested in sustainable peace"
12:27 16.05.2025
Baku hosts conference on "Implementation of artificial intelligence in agricultural practices"
12:17 16.05.2025
The next plenary Meeting of the spring session of the Milli Majlis is being held
12:04 16.05.2025
Azerbaijani oil price declines in global markets
11:57 16.05.2025
Ilham Aliyev met with the Presidents of the Council of the European Union
11:35 16.05.2025
Azerbaijani and Belarusian military medical specialists meet in Baku
11:28 16.05.2025
President Approves Medal for Emergency Ministry’s 20th Year
11:27 16.05.2025
A national textbook on piano is being prepared for the first time in Azerbaijan
11:13 16.05.2025
Azerbaijan, Türkiye explore cooperation in youth and sports
11:08 16.05.2025
Azerbaijan explores implementation of green in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur
10:55 16.05.2025
Serbian Prime Minister thanks Azerbaijan
10:53 16.05.2025
Azerbaijan and Moldova discussed expanding energy cooperation
10:49 16.05.2025
The plenary session of the Milli Majlis has begun
10:44 16.05.2025
Azerbaijani and Belarusian military medical specialists met
10:39 16.05.2025
Prospects for Azerbaijan–Pakistan railway cooperation discussed
10:37 16.05.2025
Azerbaijan`s Economy Minister attends sessions and meeting held as part of EBRD Annual Meeting
10:37 16.05.2025
ASOIU signs memorandum of cooperation with Bayraktar Technology Azerbaijan
10:33 16.05.2025
Azerbaijani youth to participate in holiday events in Türkiye
10:29 16.05.2025
Meeting was held between representatives of the Azerbaijani and Belarusia
10:24 16.05.2025
Albania to start importing Azerbaijani gas in 2026
10:22 16.05.2025
Minister: "Pakistan offers broad opportunities for Azerbaijani investors"
10:17 16.05.2025
C.Klosi: Cooperation with Azerbaijan help Albania accelerate development of gas infrastructure
10:14 16.05.2025
An event promoting Azerbaijan was held in Morocco
10:11 16.05.2025
President Ilham Aliyev arrives in Albania for working visit
10:05 16.05.2025
Ceno Klosi: ''Azerbaijan is strategic partner of Albania in energy sector''
10:03 16.05.2025
Media Development Agency calls on young journalists to fight for conveying truth
11:23 15.05.2025
Hungarian envoy: ''Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan has great potential for renewable energy project''
11:17 15.05.2025
Istanbul hosts Azerbaijani Cinema Days
11:12 15.05.2025
Pakistan holds flash mob to thank Azerbaijan for support
11:07 15.05.2025
7 countries confirm participation in III CIS Games in Azerbaijan
11:01 15.05.2025
Behind the Curtain: Marilyn Monroe and the Free Woman's Scene
10:59 15.05.2025
Mikayil Jabbarov attends opening session of EBRD
10:58 15.05.2025
Azerbaijan considers proposal to create press museum in Shusha
10:54 15.05.2025
President of Iran: ''We want brotherhood and equality with Azerbaijan''
10:51 15.05.2025
Digital media in Azerbaijan reaches its highest
10:48 15.05.2025
Azerbaijan Railways: Passenger transportation increased by over 16%
10:43 15.05.2025
Expansion of co-op between Azerbaijan, Universal Postal Union discussed
10:36 15.05.2025
Azerbaijan starts importing gold from Romania and Zimbabwe
10:33 15.05.2025
Hamısı