“Rwe receive news of illegal attacks against civilian objectives and structures, of use of imprecise weapons such as mortar rounds and artillery. We are checking with our experts a large amount of videos to ascertain all the circumstances reported. The background of the Russian armed forceswho on several occasions have shown a complete disregard for the rules of war, do not bode well“.
These are the words of Riccardo Noury spokesperson for Amnesty International Italyin constant contact with the Association’s headquarters in Kiev, which we reached by telephone.
War in Ukraine: “Spare the civilians”
The Russian offensive in Ukraine it continues unabated and takes on ever more tragic proportions. Putin’s soldiers entered Kiev, while Ukrainian armored vehicles entered the capital per defend it and prepare to resist.
Meanwhile, the Russian president asks the Ukrainian army to “take power” in Kiev and to remove Zelensky. For the Kremlin leader, the Kiev authorities are “a gang of drug addicts”.
Noury, what are the main needs at the moment?
“Let the civilian population be spared suffering, allow access to humanitarian agencies to provide assistance to those in need, keep the borders of the states bordering Ukraine open”.
What is the mood among Ukrainian citizens?
“It is that of someone who, for the third time in thirty years, after Sarajevo and Belgrade, woke up on the morning of the 24th with the sounds of sirens and the roar of rockets. That of those who never imagined, in a European capital, taking refuge in the subway stations or having to evacuate it ».
People fleeing from Kiev
The images of people on the run remain etched… Where do people take refuge?
“Those who can move to places that at that moment seem less insecure, but we fear that in the long run the whole of Ukraine will be an unsafe place.”
Which fronts is Amnesty International busy with at the moment?
“We have asked the European states to do their part by welcoming people on the run. With respect to the conflict, we naturally hope that military operations will cease immediately and, I repeat, we ask that civilian populations be spared suffering ”.
War in Ukraine: “Open to refugees”
What needs to be done right away?
“Implementing our requests and those coming from the international community: stop the war, assistance to civilians”
What do you expect from the international community and from Europe?
“That it opens the doors to people fleeing Ukraine. We ask Europe, which sees a besieged and hit capital for the third time in thirty years, to remember and give strength to its founding values, of peace, democracy and respect for human rights ”.
Will the sanctions be enough?
“These are measures that are effective over a medium to long term. In the short term, they can have a deterrent effect, as long as those who invaded Ukraine consider this aspect. But I’m afraid we have come too far “
Will there be refugees?
“It is probable, especially if the hostilities continue.”
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