Kiev’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko has issued a clarion call for increased arms supplies to fend off the heightened Russian offensive against Ukraine. In a stern address, he articulated the gravity of the situation: “This is a war of resources, and that’s why we need support from our partners,” Klitschko stated during a German public broadcaster ZDF programme. He underscored the urgent need for more air defence systems, admitting, “We don’t have enough.” The mayor went on to condemn the onslaught, framing it as acts of terror, “There are attacks every day and the Russians are ruining the infrastructure. This is not war, this is terrorism.”
As Russia intensifies its barrage, destroying critical infrastructure and making life untenable by targeting electricity and water supplies, Klitschko equated President Vladimir Putin’s strategy to scorched earth tactics. Klitschko’s impassioned plea resonates with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for more Western weaponry to repel Russian airstrikes which have devastated several thermal power stations and crippled power lines across Ukraine.
Klitschko emphasized that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are currently unlikely due to the heavy Russian bombardment in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv near the Russian border. He mentioned that Russia’s aggressive tactics are aimed at pressuring Ukraine into making concessions without diplomatic solutions being feasible at the moment. The mayor stressed the importance of standing firm on the front line and maintaining political strength. Klitschko highlighted the necessity for Ukrainians to defend their country before any potential talks could take place, as compromises are not currently being considered.
Despite the recent arrival of new air defence equipment in Kyiv, as Klitschko affirmed on Ukrainian TV, the capital and its environs are experiencing rolling blackouts, with the power grid operating at half its pre-war capacity. The mayor remains hopeful but vigilant, stating, “We hope that there will be no more attacks and provocations with kamikaze drones and missiles.” Nevertheless, the need for increased support from allies is evident as the country navigates what has been described as its “most fragile moment” since the war’s onset.
Relevant articles:
– Kiev Mayor Klitschko: ‘This is not war. This is terrorism’
– Russia-Ukraine war latest: Putin ‘may launch all-out bid to seize second city’ – as Western officials fear major Russian advance, Sky News, Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:00:45 GMT
– Kyiv bolsters air defences as Ukraine’s capital faces rolling blackouts, Yahoo Movies Canada, Sun, 07 Apr 2024 12:45:00 GMT
– Russia-Ukraine war latest: Putin ‘may launch all-out bid to seize second city’ – as Western officials fear major Russian advance, Sky News, Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:37:33 GMT