Portnikov: Ukrainians must rely on themselves, not wait for change in Russia

Ukrainians need to set a realistic goal in the war – not to wait for something in Russia to stop the aggression but to rely on themselves, stated well-known Ukrainian journalist, political analyst, and commentator Vitaly Portnikov. 

His comments came during an interview with Ukrainian writer, musician, and serviceman Serhiy Zhadan in Lb.ua and Radio Khartia.

“I will consider it a victory if the Ukrainian state survives at all, if the Ukrainian majority remains, and if people do not leave or yield their place to other nations,” Portnikov said. “As someone of Jewish descent, I know how it can be.” 

It is essential for Ukrainians to stay in Ukraine and ensure it remains a “Ukrainian Ukraine.” 

“Ukrainians may persist, and the state may endure, but it could become a satellite state, like Belarus, losing all its Ukrainian identity. That would be a defeat,” he emphasized.

Portnikov also warned of the danger of having a so-called Chechnya scenario in Ukraine due to a prolonged war. 

He described it as the emergence of a majority of people who simply want to live in peace, indifferent under which flag or president, wishing only for an agreement with their oppressors to prevent them from re-invading.

Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity is a crucial victory that raises significant questions of justice and international law. 

“We will eventually enter a long period of peace when the Russians realize they cannot take anything here,” Portnikov said.

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