12:05 27.01.2015

Statements of Russia-backed separatist Zakharchenko problem for Russia as they are too straightforward – US envoy to UN

2 min read
Statements of Russia-backed separatist Zakharchenko problem for Russia as they are too straightforward – US envoy to UN

The leader of the so-called 'Donetsk People's Republic', Alexander Zakharchenko let slip the real intentions of Russia and Russian backed separatists, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power has said.

"Zakharchenko's statements are a problem for Russia because they are too straightforward. These statements by the separatists are complicating Russia's strategy," she said, during an extraordinary session of the UN Security Council over Ukraine.

"As all the world can see – the separatists he [Zakharchenko] claims to lead are trained and equipped by Russia, and fight with Russian forces by their side. So when Zakharchenko brags about seizing territory beyond the Minsk ceasefire line; when he announces at rallies that separatists will strike Ukrainian forces without provocation; when he says he is not interested in negotiating; he is not only speaking about the separatists' intentions, but also about Russia's intentions. This offensive is made in Moscow. It is waged by Russian-trained and Russian-funded separatists, who use Russian missiles and Russian tanks, who are backed up by Russian troops, and whose operations receive direct Russian assistance," she stressed.

Unfortunately, his words were not just bravado she added, as on Saturday the world witnessed the horror that resulted from the separatists' attack on Mariupol, a city 25 kilometers outside of the Minsk line.

She also mentioned how Russia blocked recent statements made by Zakharchenko where he announced offensive on Mariupol close to when the tragedy occurred.

"When, on Saturday, members of the Council [UNSC] tried to issue a joint statement denouncing the civilian casualties and expressing concern about the separatist's statements, as we've heard, Russia blocked it. No wonder, given that less than a day earlier Russia had been perfectly content disseminating Zakharchenko's statements in its state-run media. It would be strange to be concerned about statements one had encouraged and publicized," Power added.

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