Ambassador Andrei Kelin's interview with Sky News presenter Mark Austin, 21 November 2024

Summary

In a tense interview, a Russian official defends Russia's actions in Ukraine, claiming NATO involvement and accusing Western powers, particularly the UK and US, of escalating the conflict. The official downplays the significance of Ukraine's military support and argues that Russia's use of nuclear threats is a response to provocation. He insists that Russia's territorial gains are justified, while accusing Western leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, of hindering peace talks. The conversation touches on nuclear escalation, military casualties, and the possibility of peace, with the Russian official maintaining a firm stance on Russia's objectives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Russia criticizes Western involvement in the conflict, particularly from NATO countries like the UK and US, accusing them of escalating the war by providing military support to Ukraine.
• 😀 The Russian Ambassador justifies Russia’s missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, pointing out that the West has been supplying advanced weapons, such as Storm Shadow missiles, to Ukraine.
• 😀 There is a growing concern from Russia about nuclear escalation, with the Ambassador stating that the use of nuclear weapons could be a possibility based on the security situation in Russia.
• 😀 Russia defends its use of military force in Ukraine, claiming it is a response to Ukraine's alleged mistreatment of Russian-speaking minorities and that the war began long before 2022.
• 😀 The Ambassador argues that the involvement of foreign mercenaries, including Polish troops, is no different from Russia’s alleged use of North Korean troops, pointing out hypocrisy in Western criticisms.
• 😀 Russia emphasizes the need for negotiations, stating that they are open to peace talks if Ukraine agrees to withdraw from territories claimed by Russia and recognizes Russia’s demands for security guarantees.
• 😀 The Ambassador rejects claims of Russian military losses, suggesting that casualty figures reported by Western media are exaggerated to boost morale in Ukraine.
• 😀 Russia's official stance is that the conflict is about defending territorial integrity and countering a Ukrainian government that they label as 'illegal' since the 2014 Maidan revolution.
• 😀 The Ambassador frames the situation as a fight to ‘liberate’ territories within Ukraine, especially in the Donbas region, and downplays the losses Russia is incurring in this effort.
• 😀 The possibility of a nuclear response is considered by Russia, with the Ambassador stating that any action will be based on a careful assessment of the threats to Russia's security, emphasizing proportionality.
• 😀 The Russian leadership maintains a united front on the issue of nuclear deterrence, claiming that public support within Russia for their policies remains strong despite Western criticism.

Q & A

Why does Russia claim that Western actions are escalating the war?

Russia argues that Western nations, particularly the UK and the US, are escalating the war by providing advanced weapons like Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. This, Russia contends, provokes further military responses and increases the risk of nuclear escalation.

What is Russia's stance on the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict?

Russia has indicated a lower threshold for the use of nuclear weapons in response to threats, particularly from NATO. While the ambassador does not confirm specific nuclear actions, Russia asserts that any potential use would be a measured response after careful assessment of security risks.

How does Russia justify bringing in foreign troops like those from North Korea?

Russia justifies the use of foreign mercenaries, including alleged North Korean troops, by comparing it to the involvement of foreign soldiers on the Ukrainian side, such as Polish units. Russia claims this is permissible under international agreements and denies any definitive proof of North Korean troop involvement.

What role does the UK play in the war according to the Russian ambassador?

The Russian ambassador claims that the UK is directly involved in the conflict by providing military support, including the Storm Shadow missile system. He accuses the UK of escalating the war by disregarding previous assurances to limit strikes to Ukrainian territory.

How does the Russian government view the possibility of peace negotiations?

Russia is open to peace talks, but only if Ukraine agrees to withdraw from the four regions that Russia considers part of its territory. The Russian government insists that peace can be achieved under these conditions, although Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected these terms.

What does Russia see as the main obstacle to peace talks in 2022?

According to the Russian ambassador, the main obstacle to peace talks in 2022 was the intervention of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who allegedly persuaded Ukraine to continue fighting instead of negotiating with Russia. This, Russia claims, prolonged the war and increased casualties.

What is Russia's position on the ongoing military operations in Ukraine?

Russia maintains that its military operations are progressing well, particularly on the Eastern Front, where Russian forces are advancing and liberating territory. The ambassador asserts that Ukrainian forces are running low on manpower and morale, making the situation favorable for Russia's military objectives.

How does Russia respond to accusations of escalating the war with strikes on Ukrainian cities?

Russia deflects accusations of escalation by highlighting the continued strikes by Ukraine, supported by Western countries. The ambassador suggests that while Russia's missile strikes are framed as defensive, Western support to Ukraine, including arms and military advisors, contributes significantly to the conflict's duration.

Does Russia believe it can win the war militarily?

Yes, Russia believes it is on track to win the war militarily, with successes on multiple fronts. The ambassador claims that Ukrainian forces are losing ground, with Russian advances in the east and a lack of sufficient Ukrainian soldiers to maintain resistance.

How does the Russian ambassador view the role of nuclear weapons in future conflicts?

The Russian ambassador views nuclear weapons as a deterrent and a possible response to perceived threats from NATO. He suggests that the use of nuclear weapons is not imminent but remains a potential option if Russia's security is endangered, particularly if the conflict escalates beyond conventional warfare.