Russian Concentration Camp or Fight
Russia’s war against Ukraine has already lasted ten years, and it could continue for many more. Sergij Osachuk is convinced that as long as there is a single Ukrainian city not conquered by the Russians, Ukrainians will continue to defend themselves. This is because Ukrainians know the alternative to fighting for freedom: ending up in a Russian concentration camp.
Sergij Osachuk came to Vienna almost directly from the front. His wife, Ludmila, is the Austrian Honorary Consul in Bukovina, with Chernivtsi as its regional capital. She came to Vienna for the meeting of Austrian Honorary Consuls. Sergij Osachuk was able to accompany her during his leave from the front. He is not unknown in the German-speaking world. He has commented on the situation in Ukraine in numerous interviews and, of course, on the Paneuropa podcast, then in his capacity as Governor of Bukovina.
In the summer of 2022, he changed roles. Since then, the Colonel has been deployed to the front. His accounts are accordingly drastic. Regardless of where one is, mortal danger is ever-present. Russia is using heavy bombs; improvements in glide bombs have made them more accurate and significantly increased their destructive power. However, civilians in Ukraine are also exposed to the daily terror of Russian attackers.
However, he has not lost his political analytical ability to assess the situation. He criticises the Western attitude of not wanting to provoke Putin. He literally speaks of a ‘masquerade of world politics’ by Putin, which has been accepted everywhere. People only wanted to see what was visible on the surface. Yet, under the table, Putin had already kicked his Western interlocutors in the shins.
Beginning of the Active Phase of the Third World War
Right at the beginning of his situation report, Sergij Osachuk makes it clear that the war began ten years ago with the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of eastern Ukraine, even if the West did not want to acknowledge it at the time. He describes 24 February 2022, the start of the destructive invasion, as the ‘beginning of the active phase of the Third World War’. He thus makes it clear that Putin and his ‘gang in power’ are not only aiming for the destruction of Ukraine but for a new world order according to the ideas of this very gang.
Sergij Osachuk sharply criticised Western policy, which has repeatedly feared crossing red lines. By doing so, they had already adopted Putin’s game and effectively left it to him to define what those red lines were. The Colonel himself defines the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine as a red line. This red line was crossed by Russia. Now, red lines are being drawn with the blood of Ukrainians. However, Europe and the West must not allow Moscow to dictate any red lines but must instead pursue clear communication against Russia and cease all courtesies and considerations towards Moscow. This is a war of annihilation that cannot be forgiven.
Ukrainians Know Putin’s Offer
When asked how long Ukraine would hold out, Osachuk dispels any concerns that Ukraine might soon collapse. ‘Ukraine will hold out as long as it can.’ He relates this to the country’s geography. If only Uzhhorod or Chernivtsi were still being defended by Ukrainians, then Ukraine would defend these two cities for as long as it possibly could. Because, as he very clearly explains, Ukrainians know Putin’s ‘offer’. This offer means annihilation in a concentration camp. Because Ukrainians know this, their motivation to continue the fight for freedom is so high.
Even though the first wave of volunteers who reported for army duty immediately after 24 February 2022 has passed, the army still enjoys strong support from the civilian population. For example, many donations go directly to units at the front. The more famous a unit is, the easier it is for them to gather support. At the beginning of the war, many volunteers used their private cars to deliver supplies to the front, often risking their lives. Now, this is done in organised channels.
That Ukraine can hold out for so long is also due to good preparation. Sergij Osachuk reports that, even in his role as governor, he regularly participated in meetings that served to prepare for an emergency. In Ukraine, they were certain that Putin would attack.
Shortage, Motivation, and Innovation
There is slight criticism regarding the West’s hesitant stance on providing military equipment. In some cases, only scrap, i.e., old equipment, was supplied. However, Ukrainians are capable of using everything they receive. This is part of the innovative capability of his compatriots, which he proudly highlights. Ukraine is achieving a logistical masterpiece, as it has to work with very different systems. But here, too, Putin’s well-known offer is the great motivation to make everything available operational. The shortage of ammunition, especially artillery ammunition, is noticeable every day. At the same time, Ukrainians have managed to make enormous progress in drone technology.
Surovikin Bombs Everything to the Ground
Sergij Osachuk explains how serious Moscow is about its genocidal intent against Ukrainians by referring to the latest orders from General Surovikin, which were intercepted. The Russian general became known in the Syrian war for his tactic of bombing everything to the ground. He has now given the order to permanently (i.e., day and night) shell the area up to and including ten kilometres behind the front line to achieve the greatest possible destructive effect. The goal of complete destruction is thus clearly discernible.
Sergij Osachuk expresses gratitude for the humanitarian and social aid coming from the European Union countries, including Austria. However, he wishes for a clearer stance towards Russia. Because: ‘This is not our community of values!’ Friendliness and understanding for the Moscow Putin regime must end.
This also includes a total embargo against Russia. Not just sanctions, which, moreover, can be circumvented very easily in many areas. No one in Ukraine or the EU claims Russian territory, but it is Ukraine’s sovereign right to seek EU membership.
Do Not Abuse History
And because Vladimir Putin likes to come up with historical justifications, the trained historian Osachuk has a clear statement on this too: ‘History must not be misused as an instrument of international politics. There is international law.’
