Zelensky threatens to drop negotiations if trial of Azov fighters takes place in Mariupol
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Sunday evening that any peace negotiations with Russia will be impossible if a trial is held soon to judge members of the Ukrainian Azov regiment who had defended the city of Mariupol, in the south-east of the Ukraine, against the Russian army.
“The stage is set for an absolutely disgusting and absurd show trial of Ukrainian defenders, our warriors who are being held captive by the occupiers”says Mr. Zelensky, in his daily video.
Images broadcast on Russian television, and posted online by the New York Times, suggest that the trial of these fighters from Azov – a group considered terrorist by Moscow – could take place very soon, and that it could be held in the philharmonic hall of Mariupol, a city now held by the Russian army after that Ukrainian soldiers laid down their arms in May. The videos show a redevelopment of the theater, including grids and cages.
“If this despicable show trial takes place, if our people are brought into this setting in violation of all agreements, all international rules, if there is abuse… that will be the line beyond which any negotiation will be impossible”warns the Ukrainian president.
“Russia will cut itself off from negotiations. There will be no more conversation”he recalls, adding that he warned Emmanuel Macron today of his intentions, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“They understand that Ukraine will not tolerate this. She will not tolerate tormenting people of whom one can only say one thing: they are heroes of their homeland, they defended the freedom of their people against the invaders on their land.says M. Zelensky.