Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ukrainian foreign minister downplays possible invasion

Officials from the US and other countries have sought to defuse the tension with Russia over Ukraine, as fears of a possible incursion remain evident. Despite the concerns of a possible invasion, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytry Kuleba seemed to downplay the possibilities that were being predicted about the conflict in the region.

Kuleba took to social media, likely to assure Ukrainians not to believe the predictions he described as “apocalyptic” regarding Russia and a possible invasion. Kuleba wrote the assurance in Ukrainian, indicating that it was for the country’s citizens. The Ukrainian foreign minister cited that the country has a lot of support internationally and the strength of its military.

“Do not believe the apocalyptic predictions. Different capitals have different scenarios, but Ukraine is ready for any development,” tweeted Kuleba. “Today, Ukraine has a strong army, unprecedented international support, and Ukrainians’ faith in their country. The enemy should be afraid of us, not them.”

Ukraine’s presidency adviser Mykhailo Podolyak also said that the chances of solving the crisis diplomatically are higher than the threat of an escalation. The Ukrainian government has sought to downplay the current tensions in the region in what is believed to be an effort to stabilize markets and prevent panic among the public.

This is despite the warnings that it would only be a matter of time that Russia decides to go on the offensive and that NATO forces are on alert.

Both the UK and the US have been accused of exaggerating the risk, which both countries have denied. Russia remains to have thousands of troops at its border with Ukraine.

Former Ukraine defense official Alexander Khara warned that Ukraine will push back hard against Russia if it ever decides to invade. Speaking with Al Jazeera, Khara noted that Ukraine is very much prepared for any strike Russia decides to make, whether it would be through cutting Ukraine off from the Black Sea or an invasion coming from Belarus, which is closer to Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv.

“Not just the armed forces, but Ukrainian society, volunteers, and the Ukrainian government are showing readiness,” said Khara, who also cited the international support Ukraine has, including a sanctions package against Russia in the event of an invasion.