Zaluzhny: The Russian Federation wants to destroy Ukraine as a state, not just the occupied territories.

According to ТСН: Russia intends not only to seize the occupied territories but also aims to destroy Ukraine's independence and its potential role as a gateway to Europe.

This opinion was expressed by Ukraine's ambassador to the UK and former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhny.

“Ukraine is in an extremely difficult position, where a quick peace means nothing but catastrophic defeat and loss of independence. However, as time has shown, this has not been achieved,” Zaluzhny noted.

He also pointed out that Russia's ambitions could turn into a threat to other countries, as the political goals of the Russian Federation are not always clear. According to him, these goals are influenced by global players.

“Even if this understanding comes, according to classical theories of war, any delay in warfare harms the attacker. The Russians cannot allow this — then the desired peace in Ukraine without creating a new security system in Eastern Europe will simply be impossible,” Zaluzhny stated.

He mentioned the illusions of Western politicians who painted optimistic scenarios for the recovery of Ukraine. Meanwhile, hostilities were advancing towards Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv.

“Few pay attention to this anymore. Sometimes it seems that even at the front, as a hundred years ago, they are waiting not for victory, but for the long-awaited peace,” he emphasized.

In Zaluzhny's opinion, Moscow has taken advantage of the collective West's weaknesses. It formulated its goals that extend beyond territorial claims.

“Russia is not interested in the Donetsk or Luhansk regions, except for their mobilization potential. The main goal for Russia is Ukraine. It is Ukraine with its sovereignty and resources that should become the gateway to Europe. Isn't that why it is so difficult today to find understanding regarding the cessation of war? These goals are not publicly announced or are distorted to attract more supporters,” Zaluzhny explained.

The question of how exactly the deprivation of Ukraine's sovereignty was planned remains open for historians.

“However, the nature of events since the autumn of 2021, throughout 2022, and still, as well as the spread of distrust towards the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the revealed corruption ties of certain members of the National Security and Defense Council, as well as the rhetoric and behavior of the Russian leadership, establish undeniable facts about Russia's goals: Ukraine must cease to exist as an independent state,” he emphasized.

He urged Ukrainians to remember this important conclusion:

“This understanding must become the basis for developing a strategy for preserving the state, which should stem from the political goal defined by the highest military-political leadership,” Zaluzhny concluded.

Zaluzhny also emphasized the need to ensure security for Ukraine.

“Guarantees of security can be Ukraine's membership in NATO, nuclear weapons on Ukrainian territory, or powerful Armed Forces capable of resisting Russia. But today we are not talking about this. Due to the technological and doctrinal unpreparedness of any NATO member or any other country, except Russia, Ukraine, and China, this issue cannot be discussed at all,” he added.

Zaluzhny's speech underscores the importance of understanding Russia's true intentions and the need for more active measures from Ukraine and its allies. In the current conditions, a clear defense strategy and international diplomacy are crucial to avoid dangerous illusions and ensure reliable protection of Ukraine's independence. Effective actions on this front will be the guarantee of stability and security in the region.