UK ambassador: putin hasn't achieved any of his strategic goals in Ukraine
putin has not achieved any of his strategic goals in Ukraine, and the status of Crimea today has become even less defined than before russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This was stated by Melinda Simmons, UK's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine, in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
"russia really has more weapons, but they don't use them very well. It's now November, and it's been over half a year, and putin hasn't achieved any of his strategic goals. He doesn't have Kyiv, and he doesn't have Odesa. He couldn't take it all. Crimea seems somewhat uncertain. Crimea is actually less defined than it was before this started. None of that sounds like a win to me," Simmons said.
She noted that "terrible things are still happening, and Ukrainians are still losing their lives. People are without water and electricity."
"But none of that really matters much to putin in terms of what he wants to happen in Ukraine," Simmons added.
This is how the ambassador answered the question, which gives her reason to believe that Ukraine will ultimately defeat russia and return its territories.
Simmons emphasized that the Armed Forces of Ukraine showed themselves to be not just determined, stable, and incredibly skilled.
"And the russian armed forces are literally the opposite of skill. The Ukrainians know their terrain. They have studied the enemy. The russians know this terrain much worse and refuse to study the enemy," she added.
The British ambassador noted that it is not just a matter of size and capabilities. It is also a matter of cunning and intelligence.
"And, of course, there is a question I always ask every Ukrainian; they say they have no choice. russians have a choice; they can stop tomorrow and go home. Ukrainians, if they stop, that will be it. They will lose the country," Simmons emphasized.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Great Britain to Ukraine Melinda Simmons also stated that the British Embassy does not plan to evacuate Kyiv.
"No, no evacuation is planned. We are here with the security that allows us to be here. I have been here for several months now, living in this war as you live in this war. It is certainly fair to say that the circumstances of our departure have already been different from those under which we first went in February. And this is not only because we consider the threat to be less serious: it is still serious. We now have a better idea of both the potential of Ukraine and the potential of russia," said Simmons.
She understands that the presence of the British Embassy in Kyiv is essential as a signal for many Ukrainians and some countries.
"Yes. That's what they tell me. Once I went to a store to buy something, and someone gave me the change and asked: 'So you're not leaving, right?' So I know this is important for many ordinary Ukrainians and, of course, for some countries. I notice that. It can create pressure, the feeling that maybe you can't go because then it sends a signal. We all have people to look after, and the UK Foreign Office has a duty to look after us everyone (British citizens, IF-U). But we are very pragmatic about wanting to be here. My colleagues and I have it. And I can tell you that our commitment is quite strong. It turns out that we are quite brave. And we are willing to be here," Simmons assured.
