Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov on Friday met with the ambassadors and diplomats of the G7 countries to discuss the Donbas de-occupation strategy “A Mechanism of Small Steps” developed by the Ukrainian Interior Ministry.
“The Donbas de-occupation strategy ‘A Mechanism of Small Steps’ is an instrument of the interaction of all services – the State Border Guard Service, the State Emergency Service, the National Guard and the National Police. What to do when we regain control of our territories, how to provide our citizens with all services and ensure their rights? The plan foresees the attraction of just 2,000 peacekeepers who will monitor the border and participate in individual police missions,” the ministry’s press service quoted Avakov as saying.
He noted that the strategy speaks not only of the return of the territories under Ukraine’s control but also of carrying out active counterpropaganda and the fight for the favor of people.
“We offer a mechanism of ‘small steps’ when Ukraine, first of all, demonstrates the quality of life and respect for people in the already liberated territories. This is a counterpropaganda mechanism that should also work, and this is the fight for the minds of people who are being bullied by Russian propaganda. This plan can be implemented only with the support of international partners and the desire of Ukraine itself, and Russia-aggressor should accept these rules,” Avakov said.
Avakov said that after de-occupation of Donbas it will be necessary to introduce amendments to the laws of Ukraine, which would refer to “collaborationism” and “amnesty.” These clauses will not concern those who killed Ukrainian military and civilians.
“We must not forget that when Donbas returns [to Ukraine’s control], there will be many agents of the ‘Russian world’ and collaborators in those territories. They will do everything to destabilize the situation, therefore we must be ready for this,” Avakov said.
He noted the importance of preparing bill on collaboration and amnesty.
“It is necessary to pass a bill as part of which no amnesty will concern people whose hands are filled with the blood of civilians or those who fought against the Ukrainian military, killing and shooting people. No amnesty can concern those who participated in criminal offenses against civilians and military,” Avakov said.
He also noted that in Ukrainian society there should be a discussion about who has the right to amnesty.
