Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday declared that the name ‘Russia’ has now become synonymous with the word “terror,” while accusing the Russian military of committing numerous atrocities in Ukraine since its invasion. Nonetheless, the Ukrainian leader defiantly proclaimed that Kyiv would emerge victorious over Moscow.
Zelensky’s Statement
Noting that Ukrainian cities are currently facing “brutal terrorist attacks by the evil state,” Zelensky warned that Russia has one goal — “to destroy life and leave nothing human.”
“It [Russia] has become a synonym for terror and will be an example of defeat and fair punishment for this terror,” the battle-hardened Zelensky said. Thanking all Ukrainian military units and soldiers for “destroying” the positions of occupiers, Zelensky urged troops to continue defending their country.
“Every blown up enemy position is a saved Ukrainian life,” Zelensky declared.
Sanctions
Zelensky announced a new set of sanctions on individuals and legal entities associated with the “evil state.” He noted that over 280 companies and 120 people, mostly involved in the gambling business, have been sanctioned, accusing them of illegally withdrawing Ukrainian funds and financing the Russian assault.
Zelensky was referring to a decree announced by his office on Friday. The series of restrictive measures targets not Russian citizens but also individuals from Cyprus, the UK, Poland, Turkey, and the Netherlands. The action also targets Russian betting companies, lottery organizers, racecourses, and entertainment companies.
According to reports, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has been instructed to inform relevant authorities in the EU and the US about the possibility of introducing similar sanctions on Russian entities and individuals.
Battle for Bakhmut
Zelensky made the comments as the strategic Ukrainian city of Bakhmut appears to be under Russian control. Although the exact situation on the ground remains unconfirmed, several reports suggest that Ukrainian troops are on the backfoot in Bakhmut.
Moreover, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of Russian mercenary group Wagner, announced last week that his group has taken control of Bakhmut after days of intense fighting. Russian defence and military officials have also confirmed Prigozhin’s claims.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has also warned that Bakhmut may completely fall to the Russian military in the coming days as Ukrainian troops have “suffered big losses.” Zelensky has also alerted soldiers about the probability of having to leave Bakhmut in light of a major Russian offensive.
The situation in Bakhmut has deteriorated rapidly and, according to the UN, has resulted in a serious humanitarian crisis, with only around 4,500 people remaining out of a pre-war population of around 73,000. Furthermore, the death toll is believed to have crossed 40,000 in Bakhmut alone, with estimates suggesting that around 20,000-30,000 Russian troops and 11,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died.
Russia Has Become “Synonym for Terror,” Will Be Defeated: Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a new set of sanctions on individuals and legal entities associated with the “evil state.”
March 14, 2023
IMAGE SOURCE: PRESIDENT OF UKRAINEUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.