Arsen Avakov, Interior Minister of Ukraine, stated that there were about seven thousand Russian soldiers stationed in terrorist-controlled territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts, and it is quite likely that they will launch a major offensive.
“This is our abstract forecast: we are on the threshold of a full-scale invasion. In recent weeks, about seven thousand Russian troops have been deployed to the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. Our diplomats have declared this publicly.” said Avakov in an interview with the Internet edition, Insider.
“Will there be an invasion? This is a question concerning the ongoing war series – when will the madman have another attack? Maybe and maybe not… everything depends on our readiness and consolidation.” added the Minister.
He noted that Ukraine is not ready to engage in a full-scale war with the Russian army, but no one will surrender an inch of Ukrainian territory without a fight.
“Today, it’s clear that we’re not ready to engage in a full-scale war with the Russian army, which is a hundred times greater than ours. But, no one will surrender an inch of our territory without a fight. Moreover, Russian society will not survive the shock of seeing so many victims. That’s why our armed forces are now in the defensive zone.” said Avakov.
“Moreover, if the Russians attack, I believe that the losses will be so great that the sick Russian society, which has not yet fully lost consciousness, will rise against the dictator Putin.” remarked the Minister.
Meanwhile, the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko said in an interview with the German daily Bild that he is not afraid of war with Russia, and that Ukraine is ready for a “total war scenario”.
There has been a lot of talk in Ukraine about increasing signs that Russia may be preparing a massive offensive into other Ukrainian regions from terrorist bases in the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. Moscow also continues to claim that there are no Russian troops or military equipment in the Donbas and that it is in no way involved in the activities of the separatists.