Turchynov: Russia is beginning a new phase of the hybrid war against Ukraine
The Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine (NSDC), Oleksandr Turchynov, says that Russia is trying to move the hybrid war against Ukraine to a new phase by threatening a missile attack, the press service of the department reports.
Ukraine held missile exercises over the Black Sea on Thursday, and plans to do so again on Friday, which has caused severe panic in the Kremlin. According to media reports, Russia has threatened Ukraine with a retaliatory missile strike.
"Threats to use weapons against Ukraine are an attempt to proceed to the active phase of the hybrid war which Russia has been waging against our country for the last three years," he said.
Turchynov also added that Ukraine would not abandon the exercise. "We will continue to strengthen the defense capability of our state and continue missile tests and exercises, in accordance with the approved plans and schedules within our sovereign territory and sovereign air space," the head of the NSDC said.
The State Aviation Administration of Ukraine also responded to Russia’s complaints, reminding them that according to international treaties, Ukraine has the right to manage its borders.
"We have the right to issue orders within certain limitations. It is our airspace. It is the decision of the Council of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) of 1997. Since then it has neither changed nor been canceled," the department explained.
Previously, the Defense Ministry announced that a Russian missile attack against Ukraine was quite possible.