Let's not talk about what is happening in Ukraine.
Orlean Tre Goob is a secretary general,
independent defence anti corruption committee.
Olena, welcome, good to see you.
Do you think Kursk will be a defining flashpoint in
this war?
Because it seems like all hands are on deck from
both Russia and Ukraine.
I definitely think that this is a big tactical victory
of Ukraine,
and it will remain to be seen whether it will
become a strategic victory,
the pivotal point that will
change the course of the war.
It is very important that
to understand that Ukraine has been fighting this war
with hands tied behind its back.
Because at the time when Russia was allowed to strike
Ukraine anywhere it wanted off limits,
children, hospital, cities,
power stations, Ukrainians were not allowed to strike,
say, inside Russia, because Western partners were afraid of escalation,
because Russia was threatening with nuclear weapon.
However, now we can see that
the battlefield inside Russia expanded reportedly by almost 600 square
kilometers in Kursk region,
and Russia cannot do anything about it.
It just showed that Russia was bluffing,
and it also showed when one country attacks another country,
it is fair to respond and to strike the territory
of the enemy.
And the UN Charter, the 51st article says that the
country to protect itself can do anything necessary,
including hitting the territory of the enemy.
And now this realization should help to change the course
of this war.
Olena, let me ask you this.
We understand that Russia has halted
Kiev's advance in Kursk. What happens if Ukraine loses the
battle for Kursk?
Or rather, what's the biggest challenge for Ukraine in fighting
off the Russian offensive in this region?
I think Ukraine has several plans now.
It depends how their events unfold.
Ukraine can try to hold Kusk and exchange Kusk for
the regions that Russia is holding.
Actually 5 regions of Ukraine,
Crimea, Zaporisia, her son, part of her son region and
full regions,
almost full regions of Donetsk and Lugansk,
but not full. And also
Ukraine even under some scenario can just pull out from
Kusk region.
This is also possible, but it will still show,
It will still change the narrative of this war because
it shows that it's possible to wage war on the
territory of the aggressive state.
And it should help Ukraine to get more assistance from
European partners and to be less afraid of so-called
escalation, because now no escalation has happened,
even though now Ukraine has occupied a part,
essentially part of Russian land,
as we can see.
Olena. Finally, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zielenski,
your president, has hinted at a possible peace talk with
Russia.
Is there any likelihood that Russia will oblige?
Recently we didn't see any indications that Russia is interested
in peace talks or real peace.
Russia maybe was interested to make a pause to rearm
and strike back to destroy Ukraine.
But if Russia really has some severe consequences from this
coarse offensive,
Russia may be more interested in peace talks.
However, I think this whole narrative about this talks is
very theoretical right now at this point because everything will
be decided on the battlefield.
All right, I've been talking to Orlena Tregob,
who's the secretary general, independent defence anti corruption committee.
Orlena, thank you for talking to Leon Wild is one
today.
Thank you
for all the latest news.
Download the Weon app and subscribe to our YouTube channel.