Eric Yodis

I just read an interview with Aleksander Turchinov (pictured), the politician who is also an Evangelical preacher and is currently the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine (which means he’s in charge of Ukraine’s armed forces). Here are a few take-aways from the article that carried the interview:

Regarding Ukraine’s defense of the last two years…

“It’s nice to say that: both 2016 and 2017 differ from the past because we have not given one meter of our own land. Moreover, our units in some directions moved on for 10 or more kilometers, improving their positions. This is a fact. All attempts to change the configurations on the demarcation line by Russian terrorist troops were a fiasco. They could neither repulse any of the settlements nor move forward.”

Regarding the present threat from Russia…

“But there is another problem, very serious. Russia continues to build a very powerful military infrastructure along our border, and in fact, they use the so-called “first” and “second” corps, subordinated to the 8th Army of the Southern Military District of the Russian Federation as the first echelon. The second echelon has been placed along the border with our country.

These are powerful restored units, and in particular, aviation. In addition, an additional railway line has been laid from central Russia, which allows them to quickly transfer troops to our borders. Such a military potential, concentrated along the border, is not necessary for peaceful measures. It can only be intended for offensive measures. This is a very serious problem.”

Regarding the threat from Putin mitigated by Soccer…

“…we must understand that, according to the decision of the Kremlin leadership, military aggression may reach a new dangerous level at any moment. At this same time, we can predict that until the FIFA World Cup takes place, in which Putin has invested billions of Russian funds, they are unlikely to turn to active offensive actions in order not to undermine the event.”

My take…

I agree with Secretary Turchinov that Putin will not likely attack Ukraine before the FIFA World Cup (soccer world championship) that is to take place from June 14 through July 15 of this year, 2018.  Having said that, let us not forget that only four years ago, no sooner had the Olympic closing ceremonies ended at the Russia-hosted Olympics in Sochi, that Russia’s little green men were already beginning their take over of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula. Let’s continue to pray for Ukraine even after Russia has finished hosting the World’s greatest soccer teams.

What’s your take? Leave a comment in the comment section below.