Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Notes: It’s Not Civil War

Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Danylo Lubkivsky, at a briefing today, pointed out for the catchword-minded world media that the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine is not a civil war nor is it a liberation movement.

Lubkivsky noted that the conflict was brought to Ukraine by invading terrorists from Russia, the source of the instigation and financing. As for defending personal liberties and Russian-speaking Ukrainians, the official emphasized that personal liberties were the last things on the minds of the terrorists.

Lubkivsky emphasized: “It has been an act of aggression by Russia against Ukraine that began in Crimea and continued in the East.

“It has been an attempt to dismember Ukraine after failing to make it swerve from the European way.

“It has been a terror war on Ukraine – until Ukraine finally fought back and declared a war on terror in return.”

He said once Russian terrorists are expelled from Ukraine and Moscow stops meddling in the affairs of sovereign Ukraine “we, Ukrainians, will agree among us. And now, as Ukraine gets more democratic and more integrated with the European Union – there will be more ways and means to do that.”

Ukrainian peacekeepers are committed to reinstating peace and stability in eastern Ukraine, Lubkivsky said, noting that in one day Ukrainian armed forces removed 700 mines and explosive devices planted by terrorists in Slavyansk. Furthermore, municipal authorities restored water and power supplies, and citizens once again began to receive salaries or pensions.

As for Crimea, under Russian occupational control, democracy and human rights haven’t been flourishing, Lubkivsky said, adding that Putin’s regime demonstrates its true colors through persecution of Crimean Tatars and of every person who dares to protest against occupation.

“We cannot and we will not tolerate this. This is about freedom. This is about Crimea. This is about Ukraine. This is about human dignity that cannot accept the ideology of hatred and slavery,” Lubkivsky.

So far, the US and the EU are offering words of support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. They are quick to threaten imposing more stringent sanctions on Russia, but nothing concrete has materialized.

In a telephone conversation yesterday between President Obama and President Hollande of France, the White House confirmed that their preference remains a bilateral ceasefire.

However, in the absence of a real truce, the White House said President Obama noted that US respects the Ukrainian government’s responsibility to maintain public order in the country and to protect the population.

“The leaders further agreed that Russia has a responsibility to cease its destabilizing activities, such as by no longer allowing and facilitating the transit of weapons and fighters across the border, ceasing its own military build-up near the border, and halting its ongoing direct and indirect support for violent separatists. The Presidents decided that the United States and Europe should take further coordinated measures to impose costs on Russia if it does not take immediate steps toward de-escalation,” the White House’s readout concluded.

Meanwhile, in eastern Ukraine, Russian terrorists are regrouping in Donetsk and Luhansk, where they had said they will make their last stand. They destroyed three major bridges in an effort to halt the advance of the victorious and reinvigorated Ukrainian armed forces.