On August 24, Ukraine will commemorate its independence from the Soviet Union – but in the midst of the war its President Zelenskyy fears a provocation from Moscow on that date. This could lead to a trial against Ukrainian soldiers. A red line for Zelenskyy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned Russia against trying his country’s soldiers on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day. “That will be the limit from which negotiations are no longer possible,” said Zelenskyj in his evening video speech on Sunday.
He cited media reports that a Russian public trial for militants captured during the siege of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol could coincide with Wednesday’s Independence Day. There are reports of corresponding preparations by Russia. “If this despicable court takes place, if our people are put in this position in violation of all agreements, all international rules, there will be abuse,” Zelenskyy warned.
The Ukrainian President had previously warned of increased Russian attacks around Independence Day. “Russia could do something particularly disgusting and violent in the coming week,” said Zelenskyy. According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Zelenskyy’s adviser Mykhailo Podoljak added that the government is expecting increased attacks on Kyiv and other cities around the national holiday.
As a precaution, all public gatherings are prohibited in the capital Kyiv from Monday to Thursday. A curfew was even imposed in the second largest city of Kharkiv. On August 24, Ukraine commemorates its independence from the Soviet Union 31 years ago. This year, on the national holiday, Ukraine is also looking back on the six months since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression on February 24.
