Kiev. November 19. INTERFAX-UKRAINE - Ukrainian Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov declares Ukraine's readiness to repel "Russian aggression," while noting that the Russian Federation is unlikely to decide on an offensive.
"I do not believe in this (in a large-scale offensive of the Russian Federation and the seizure of Ukrainian territories - IF). Because let's not forget: we have learned to defend ourselves in 8 years of this war. Our Armed Forces are at a high level, especially the Ground Forces," Reznikov said in an interview with the Ukrainian service of the Voice of America (recognized in the Russian media as a foreign agent - IF), published on Friday.
At the same time, he noted that near the borders of Ukraine "there are signs of escalation," but the Ukrainian side perceives the information about the accumulation of Russian troops near Ukraine "more calmly, because we are just ready, and for them (the international community - IF) it became a little unexpected."
"Even in a difficult situation, I'm looking for a positive. I see a positive in the threat that it has attracted the attention of the civilized world and now a reaction is beginning, which gives us a chance to demonstrate to the aggressor that the price of this aggression for him will be exorbitant," the minister said.
