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"On Point"
MINSK, 3 June (BelTA) – Prolonging the conflict in Ukraine will only make the situation worse, Igor Korotchenko, Russian journalist and military expert, editor-in-chief of the Russian National Defense Magazine, said in the latest episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA's YouTube channel.
“I believe in tough decisions. I have always said this publicly... We remember what NATO did first when they went to war with Yugoslavia: they hit the electric power system. It was completely taken out in the first few days. The country was plunged into darkness. This is an important military task. It is legitimate. NATO has demonstrated how to wage this kind of war,” Igor Korotchenko said.
He emphasized that prolonging the conflict in Ukraine will only make the situation worse: “The longer this confrontation drags on, the worse it will be for the people of Ukraine. You know, when gangrene spreads across the entire body. Therefore, it is easier to perform a tough surgical procedure, because it will at least give them some chance for the future.”
Igor Korotchenko also noted that he is in favor of attacks on decision-making centers. “I believe Russia should target the decision-making center with long-range weapons. I was a supporter of striking at Ukraine's power generation system, decision-making centers. This must be done,” the speaker remarked.
At the same time, Russia's political leadership is better informed than experts about the situation on the ground. Nevertheless, as an expert, he “advocates more decisive, radical ways to resolve the crisis. Sooner or later we will have to do this, and we should have no illusions about the good will of the Ukrainian people or Ukrainian leaders. Zelensky will go an extra mile to keep the war going as long as possible. This is the main obstacle to peace,” Igor Korotchenko believes.
According to him, Russia has made it clear that it will not agree to a ceasefire unless a key condition is observed. “This condition could be the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from four new administrative entities of the Russian Federation, where they are present today, where the main phase of hostilities is underway. Certain guarantees should be in place and they should be subject to verification, allowing Russia to use force again, if necessary. I believe that this is right,” Igor Korotchenko said.
“I believe in tough decisions. I have always said this publicly... We remember what NATO did first when they went to war with Yugoslavia: they hit the electric power system. It was completely taken out in the first few days. The country was plunged into darkness. This is an important military task. It is legitimate. NATO has demonstrated how to wage this kind of war,” Igor Korotchenko said.
He emphasized that prolonging the conflict in Ukraine will only make the situation worse: “The longer this confrontation drags on, the worse it will be for the people of Ukraine. You know, when gangrene spreads across the entire body. Therefore, it is easier to perform a tough surgical procedure, because it will at least give them some chance for the future.”
Igor Korotchenko also noted that he is in favor of attacks on decision-making centers. “I believe Russia should target the decision-making center with long-range weapons. I was a supporter of striking at Ukraine's power generation system, decision-making centers. This must be done,” the speaker remarked.
At the same time, Russia's political leadership is better informed than experts about the situation on the ground. Nevertheless, as an expert, he “advocates more decisive, radical ways to resolve the crisis. Sooner or later we will have to do this, and we should have no illusions about the good will of the Ukrainian people or Ukrainian leaders. Zelensky will go an extra mile to keep the war going as long as possible. This is the main obstacle to peace,” Igor Korotchenko believes.
According to him, Russia has made it clear that it will not agree to a ceasefire unless a key condition is observed. “This condition could be the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from four new administrative entities of the Russian Federation, where they are present today, where the main phase of hostilities is underway. Certain guarantees should be in place and they should be subject to verification, allowing Russia to use force again, if necessary. I believe that this is right,” Igor Korotchenko said.