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 border from which negotiations are no longer possible,” Zelenskyy said in a video address on Sunday. He had previously warned of increased Russian attacks around the holidays. On August 24, Ukraine commemorates 31 years of independence from the Soviet Union.
This year, on the national holiday, Ukraine also looks back on the six months since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression on February 24. Zelenskyy pointed to media reports that a Russian court public hearing for militants captured during the siege of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol could be held on Wednesday, coinciding with Independence Day.
There are reports of similar 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.
Public gatherings prohibited
“Russia could do something particularly disgusting and violent in the coming week,” Zelensky said Saturday night. His adviser Mykhailo Podoliak added that the government expects more attacks on Kiev and other cities around the national holiday. As a precaution, all public gatherings in the capital Kiev are banned from Monday to Thursday. A curfew was even imposed in Kharkov’s second-largest city.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
