AFU’s withdrawal from Donbas will open the way for russians to the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv oblasts and create the risk of new escalation – political scientist
The kremlin’s demand for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts poses a serious threat to Ukraine’s defense and creates the risk of new escalation. Political scientist Kostiantyn Matviienko stated this to OstroV.
“For 10 years we have been building fortifications on this line. This is the most fortified section of the front. If we withdraw troops from the Donetsk oblast, we will open the way for russians into the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv oblasts. We perfectly understand that russians cannot be trusted in anything. They will take advantage of this”, - the expert emphasized.
He noted that claims by some experts about the “painlessness” of such a scenario are dangerous.
“This is very dangerous, because it creates the threat of further escalation of aggression. The rashists, and putin personally, can only exist in conditions of war. If the war ends – putin will lose arguments for his internal crimes, including against the russian economy. This may destabilize his regime. For him, war is now a way to hold on to power”, - Matviienko said.
At the same time, he agreed that the advancement of such a demand may also have a domestic political subtext.
“Yes, the internal situation will certainly worsen. But I do not agree that this will lead to the destabilization of the state apparatus. There are other factors for this: the heating season, issues of corruption. Yes, it will be painful for society. But if there is an understanding that there is no other way out, people will accept it with understanding”, - the political scientist explained.
“I emphasize: I believe that leaving the Donetsk oblast is dangerous not only because of domestic political consequences, but primarily because of the strategic threat to Ukraine’s defense”, - he summarized.