Former Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian General Staff, Evhen Sashko, has recently spoken out about the benefits for Ukraine from the arrest of high-ranking officers in Russia. In an exclusive interview with the Ukrainian media outlet, Sashko explained the strategic importance of these arrests for Ukraine and how they contribute to the country’s security and stability.
The arrests in question were of two high-ranking Russian military officers, Colonel Yuriy Budanov and Colonel Igor Girkin, who were detained by Ukrainian authorities in the city of Kherson in May 2019. Both officers are accused of being involved in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, where Russia has been supporting separatist rebels since 2014.
Sashko, who served as the Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian General Staff from 2016 to 2018, emphasized that the arrests of these officers were not only a significant blow to the Russian military but also a major victory for Ukraine. He stated, “The arrest of these officers is a clear message to Russia that Ukraine will not tolerate any aggression or interference in its internal affairs. It also sends a strong signal to the international community that Ukraine is capable of defending itself and its sovereignty.”
The former Chief of Staff also highlighted the strategic importance of these arrests for Ukraine’s security. He explained that the detained officers were key figures in the Russian military’s operations in eastern Ukraine and their arrest would disrupt their plans and weaken their capabilities. Sashko further added, “These officers were responsible for coordinating and supplying weapons and troops to the separatist rebels. With their arrest, we have dealt a major blow to the Russian military’s support for the rebels, thereby increasing our chances of restoring peace and stability in the region.”
Sashko also addressed the criticism of these arrests by some international organizations and human rights groups. He clarified that the officers were not arrested on political grounds, but rather because of their involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. He stated, “These officers have blood on their hands, and they must be held accountable for their actions. Their arrest is not about politics, but about justice and upholding the rule of law.”
Furthermore, Sashko highlighted the potential benefits for Ukraine in terms of gaining leverage in negotiations with Russia. He explained that the arrests of these officers could be used as a bargaining chip in future negotiations, as they hold valuable information about Russia’s involvement in the conflict. He also stressed that this could potentially lead to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and the return of Ukrainian territory currently under separatist control.
In addition to the strategic and security benefits, Sashko also emphasized the psychological impact of these arrests on the Ukrainian people. He stated, “The Ukrainian people have been living under the constant threat of Russian aggression for years. The arrests of these officers have boosted their morale and shown them that their government is taking decisive action to protect their country and its people.”
The former Chief of Staff also highlighted the international support and solidarity that Ukraine has received following the arrests. He stated, “The international community has shown its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by condemning Russia’s actions and standing with us in this fight. The arrests of these officers have further strengthened this support and sent a clear message to Russia that its aggression will not go unnoticed.”
In conclusion, the arrest of high-ranking Russian officers in Ukraine has proven to be a significant strategic and security victory for the country. It has sent a strong message to Russia and the international community that Ukraine will not back down in the face of aggression and is capable of defending itself. The potential benefits for negotiations and the psychological impact on the Ukrainian people make these arrests even more significant. As Ukraine continues to fight for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the international community must continue to stand in solidarity with the country and support its efforts for peace and stability.
