European Solidarity calls on Zelensky to comment on escalation in Donbas

KYIV. Aug 30 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The European Solidarity Party believes that the lack of a public reaction of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the escalation in Donbas, in particular the artillery shelling of Avdiyivka by Russia-occupation forces, is a consequence of the personal position of the head of state.

"For the first time since 2017, Russia-occupation forces used heavy weapons and led to an extremely serious aggravation at the front, firing at peaceful Ukrainian Avdiyivka. Over the past few days, we have ten seriously wounded and, unfortunately, several killed Ukrainian Heroes. Against this background, the Supreme Commander is simply silent, which already causes not even surprise, but indignation, without commenting in any way on this next crime of the Russian occupation forces and our losses…," the statement published on the party’s website on Sunday evening said.

European Solidarity said that the first artillery shelling of a Ukrainian city in the rear since 2017 is the result of "the fearful policy of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, who withdrew troops from positions unilaterally, took reconnaissance drones and counter-sniper groups from the front and forbade firing."

"The war in Zelensky’s head is over long ago – and he stubbornly continues to ignore reality," the political force said.

"This alone can explain the fact that the Russian attack drone, which the authorities bashfully called ‘of unknown origin,’ flew over Kharkiv region on August 27 unimpeded, carried out its reconnaissance missions, and maybe an imitation of the bombing. Such a violation of the Ukrainian border is no less a reason for the immediate meeting of the NSDC and coordination with international allies," the statement says.

The European Solidarity recalled that Zelensky personally guaranteed the return of Ukrainian units to their previous positions in the event of the slightest violation by the enemy – "obviously, this was another lie."

The European Solidarity requires the state leadership to immediately initiate a videoconference of the Normandy format and, together with partners, demand that Putin observe the silence regime. Bankova should immediately instruct to convene the TCG on worsening the situation in Donbas and enable the commanders of the units to make a decision on the spot to open fire in order to protect the civilian population of Ukrainian Donbas," the document says.

The political force is confident that the authorities are obliged to find funds and immediately install a modern video surveillance system along the entire disengagement line, which will enhance the security of the Ukrainian military.

"It is necessary to abolish all the ridiculous restrictions that impede effective counteraction to the aggressor and restraining him from attacks on our forces and the civilian population," the document says.

In addition, it is reported that the Ministry of Defense and the government must immediately pay all debts to the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for vacations and sick leaves. Also, the 2022 budget should provide for an increase in salaries for the Ukrainian military.

The European Solidarity states that the de-occupation of Crimea and Donbas, as well as tougher sanctions against the aggressor country, should become key topics in the negotiations between Zelensky and Biden.

"Volodymyr Oleksandrovych, get out of the scenery, in which you are so cozy and comfortable. The enemy is shelling the Ukrainian land, which you promised to defend and win back in a very pretentious manner. And at least tell the people something," the political force said.

As reported, on Saturday, August 28, as a result of shelling in the Avdiyivka area, eight Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and received combat injuries.