Talking Points Ukraine: Weekend Edition - Insight into Russian Genocide, the upcoming counteroffensive, and military solutions to Russian terrorism

Text Edited by: Sgt. (jr) Sarah Ashton-Cirillo of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Photo credit: Sgt. (jr) Sarah Ashton-Cirillo of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

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1. INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE.

During the spring session on April 27, the PACE adopted a resolution stating that the deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia matched the international definition of genocide and called on the ICC to consider criminal prosecution for this crime.

■        Ukraine has been emphasizing the genocidal nature of the Russian aggression since the truth about the occupiers’ atrocities in Bucha was discovered.

■        The mass abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia amounts to genocide, according to international law on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide.

■        This PACE resolution is the first one since the aggression to qualify Russian crimes against Ukraine as genocide from the standpoint of international law.

■        This decision will significantly assist the global community in bringing Russia and its officials, starting with its leadership, to justice for the crime of genocide.

 2. THE NEED FOR WEAPONS TO FIGHT OFF AGGRESSION.

On April 28, during another air attack against the civilian population, a Russian cruise missile hit a multi-story residential building in Uman.

■        Russia continues to terrorize Ukrainian civilians.

■        The only solution to the problem of Russian terror is a military one, and Ukraine needs more weapons for this. Every day of delay costs Ukranian lives.

■        It is necessary to further strengthen air defenses because of the difficulty in protecting such a large territory against Russia’s aerial terrorism.

■        A long-awaited investment in Ukrainian defenses would be the transfer of F-16 aircraft. Ukrainian pilots must begin widespread training on this aircraft today.

■ Ukraine's preparation for a counteroffensive is an effort aimed at a quick end to the war and suffering. To this end, we require significantly more armored vehicles, tanks, artillery systems, and ammunition for upcoming battles. Especially needed are long-range 155-mm shells.

■        A clear point to remember: Ukraine uses all the security assistance of its partners responsibly, transparently, and effectively.

 3. UKRAINIAN COUNTEROFFENSIVE.

■ Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive will not be one big decisive battle but a series of victorious events of varying sizes, covering multiple areas of operations.

■        Not letting the Russians know our plans is essential; otherwise, they can prepare. The counteroffensive will not look like the popular media imagines it. On the contrary, it will surprise the enemy and the general public.

■        The leading dimension of military strategy is efficiency and effectiveness, not pomp and parades. The Defence Forces of Ukraine's goal is to liberate the occupied territories. This critical task will be accomplished.

■        The current situation at the front is a transitional state between Russia's failed winter offensive and a series of ongoing counter-attacking operations by Ukraine. The enemy is exhausted and on the run. The final preparations are underway to finish them off.