Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmihal has denounced that Russia is responsible for the creation of the «largest minefield in the world» after the mining of 250,000 square kilometers of territory in the east of the country.
«Right now it is the largest minefield in the world. Not only does it make it difficult for people to move around, but it has also caused difficulties for agriculture, which is one of our most important industries,» Shmihal said in an interview with the South Korean news agency Yonhap.
These 250,000 square kilometers are larger than the Korean peninsula, Laos, Romania or the United Kingdom. They are also an indiscriminate weapon that can affect civilians.
«Russia is attacking the infrastructures of the most populated areas,» explained Shmihal. In particular, he pointed out that 70 percent of the damage has occurred in residential areas. Industrial centers such as chemical plants or steel mills have also been attacked, as well as infrastructures that facilitate travel.
Around 50 percent of the country’s power grid has been destroyed as a result of the 11 waves of aerial bombardment and 14 waves of drone attacks, according to Shmihal.
«There is not a single power plant that has not been attacked by Russian missiles or drones. Russia wants to eliminate the entire Ukrainian power grid and force our people to flee with psychological pressure,» he denounced.
In total, Shmihal estimates that the losses caused by the war in 2023 could reach $700 billion. «Despite the war the Ukrainian economy is still functioning. The government pays all salaries and pensions without delay. There are development programs for SMEs,» he stressed.
As for the possible prolongation of the war, Shmihal has stressed the importance of maintaining sanctions on Russia and aid to Ukraine. «We are doing everything we can to end the war quickly. For this purpose the international community should strictly maintain sanctions against Russia, and strengthen them,» he has pointed out.
Especially important are sanctions against gas and oil, the embargo on arms and components or the withdrawal of all multinational companies from Russia.
«Sanctions are important for victory, but in the end it has to be done with arms support,» argued Shmihal, who thus demanded a constant supply of advanced weaponry.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
