The Minister of Defense, Oleksiy Reznikov, recorded a video statement to the intellectual community of Russia, Belarus, and Israel. He emphasized that he addresses them not as a Minister or a lawyer but as a person who firmly believes that all means should be used to prevent a catastrophe.
Reznikov said that he addressed all the members of the movement of connoisseurs of intellectual games, which he is, especially to this movement in Russia, Belarus, Israel, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Kazakhstan.
“I specifically want to address the residents of the intellectual centers of Russia - Moscow, Saint Petersburgh, Novosibirsk, Nyzhnyi Novhorod, Kasan, and other cities. You understand better than anyone what is happening. Intuition is probably telling you how it will all end,” he said.
The Minister of Defense expressed confidence that they were aware of Russia’s shootings of peaceful Ukrainian cities, of killing women and children. In Mariupol alone, more than 1500 civilians died in two weeks.
“And this is not an operation. This is an invasive war, which Russia will lose. And is already losing. You know that the Ukrainian army has already killed thousands of Russian soldiers, and hundreds have surrendered. We are not hiding this information; it is open. For Russia, this war will end in catastrophe. Many of you have already left Russia; you hope to sit out the dark times in the distance. I am afraid you will have nowhere to return to,” Reznikov said.
He added that if Belarus surrenders to the pressure, it will end in an even greater catastrophe, as Russia will abandon it and Ukraine will consider her a traitor. For Israel, which shows alienation, this will result in growing distrust.
“Because we will prevail. Do not doubt it with you or without you. And what can you do?” the Minister addressed.
Reznikov said that it is possible to express one's position more actively in Israel and thus form decisions. In Belarus, to discourage their relatives and acquaintances from carrying out obsessive orders. In Russia - to influence the mood in big cities.
“I am not asking you to shoot federal officers, police, military. Just explain to people that this is a criminal war, which is killing your country,” he continued.
Reznikov stressed that it would no longer be possible to exchange freedom for comfort and relative security. There will be no personal or intellectual freedom. It will not be possible to find her in the West, where Russian passports will arouse contempt and suspicion.
“Now, it is time to decide the fate of your country for decades to come. You have to do everything to stop this military adventure of the Kremlin, which has already taken thousands and thousands of lives, which made Russia an exile and doomed her to degradation. You will not have any science, culture, any education. There will be no development. Only “spiritual staples” will be left,” the Minister said.
Reznikov said that his country is now under attack; there is a lot of pain everywhere. However, it has a future.
“I am proud that around me, there are young and adult citizens defending their country. Men and women. With weapons in their hands, as free people. Their eyes are filled with dignity, self-respect, and strength. And what do you see in the eyes of those around you? The decision has to be made quickly. Your minute starts now,” the Minister noted.