‘Disaster if world views it as TV show’
Iurii Melnyk, an associate professor of journalism at the Ivan Franko National University of Ukraine's Lviv, is keeping the world posted after Russia began its invasion on February 24. The Daily Star's Diplomatic Correspondent Porimol Palma caught up with him on Friday for on-the-ground information.
DS: Is Lviv -- the largest city in western Ukraine -- now relatively safe?
Melnyk: Currently there is no safe place in Ukraine. On Friday morning, we had an air alarm advising the people of our city to get to the safe shelters in the basements. Luckily, the attack did not happen. Eastern Ukraine is a priority for Russians because they consider Russian-speaking Ukraine to be theirs. That is their interest, not Ukrainian-speaking Ukraine.
DS: Are Ukrainians leaving the country?
Melnyk: Yes, many people are trying to leave but it is getting more and more difficult. We have general mobilisation in Ukraine -- people aged between 18 and 60 are supposed to go to the army and not leave the country. You come with a passport and get a weapon and you are ready to fight the Russian force.
DS: You are in that age group -- what is your plan?
Melnyk: I can volunteer but I don't have any military training. So, I am trying to be useful by spreading information, helping people and journalists.
DS: What is the mood of the general Ukrainians?
Melnyk: I met a friend who was in front of the military recruiting office. He said he will join the army, stop the Russians where they are and not allow them inside our house. At the same time, I saw some soldiers and their families who were saying goodbye and crying.
DS: The Ukrainian president said the Western countries are not helping much. What is your understanding of the statement?
Melnyk: Much of the responsibility for what is happening in Ukraine also lies with the Western countries. The day before the attack, US President Joe Biden was asked if he would support Ukraine if Russia attacked. Biden said he would impose sweeping sanctions but not send troops on the ground. This was a blunder. He could have said that all options were open. By doing so, he could have stopped the Russian aggression. He was saying that the Americans will not take part -- this made the Russians more confident. If Ukraine was a member of Nato, the attack would not have happened.
DS: What does the immediate future look for Ukraine because Russia is attacking from all sides?
Melnyk: If we can withstand the aggression for the next few days, it will be much easier for us to achieve victory. Russians were counting on a few hours' battle but all they could occupy was some small towns in the north, south and east. They are getting close to the capital. If Ukraine stands this aggression, I expect a frontline that will divide Ukraine into two parts: the Russia-occupied part and the free part. Then, depending on the situation, there will be negotiations and peace treaties. The crucial thing now is to save the capital. If the capital falls, that means the president of Ukraine will be captured and Russians can declare a puppet president who will sign any document the Russians give them.
DS: Ultimately, does Putin want to set up a pro-Russian government?
Melnyk: Yes, that's right. The most realistic thing he could do is occupy a part of the country and include it in Russia and create a puppet state authority that Nazi Germany did during World War II.
DS: What is your urgent call to the world?
Melnyk: If the world sits back and watch the situation as if it is a TV show, it will be a disaster for Ukraine and the rest of the world. You can spread the message of peace, condemn Russian aggression, go to the Russian embassy and demonstrate, and support the Ukrainian army with a symbolic fund.
DS: Do you think there are enough emergency services in Ukraine to handle the casualties?
Melnyk: Of course not -- we need humanitarian support and aid. We expect help from our neighbouring countries and the rest of the world.