Explaining complex things in simple words: Day of Unity, attacks on targets on Russian soil, provocation in Donetsk

1. DAY OF UNITY OF UKRAINE

On January 22, Ukraine marks a public holiday — the Day of Unity of Ukraine, timed to the proclamation of the Act of Unification of the Ukrainian People's Republic and the West Ukrainian People's Republic in 1919 (105 years ago).

▪ January 22 is a special date in the history of Ukraine. It symbolizes the unity and independence of our state, the consolidation of all citizens, regardless of their nationality.

▪ Unity is an integral factor in the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

▪ 10 years ago, Russia began shameful attempts to destroy the foundation of our unity. The aggressor state has encroached on Ukrainian territories, and since the full-scale invasion, it has also attempted to destroy the ethnic population of Ukraine — carrying out the genocide of Ukrainians.

▪ Ukraine will fight the invaders and will not give up its lands. Negotiations with the invaders are possible only after Russia completely withdraws its troops beyond the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine.

▪ Ukrainians, like more than a century ago, have united in a strong and unbreakable nation that will defend its right to live in an independent and united country.

2. ATTACKS ON TARGETS IN RUSSIA

On January 18-21, Russian army support facilities in the Leningrad, Tambov, and Bryansk regions were attacked.

▪ Ukraine, as a country that has been subjected to full-scale armed aggression by Russia, has the legal right to attack military targets on its territory.

▪ The Ukrainian Defence Forces are increasing their capability to strike in the deep Russian rear. For the first time, it was possible to hit targets at a distance of more than 900 km.

▪ The large territory of the Russian Federation has ceased to be an advantage for the aggressor in the war with Ukraine. The Russians are forced to transfer more and more air defence systems from the front to protect the rear, but they will still not suffice.

▪ Among the affected targets is the Tambov Gunpowder Plant, which operates to meet the military needs of the Russian Federation.

▪ The oil industry is the main source of income of Russia to finance the aggressive war, it ensures the needs for fuel and lubricants of the occupiers. Thus, the oil depot in Klintsy and oil terminals in St. Petersburg and Ust-Luga are legitimate military targets.

3. PROVOCATION IN DONETSK

On January 21, Russian artillery shelled the Tekstylnyk neighbourhood in the temporarily occupied Donetsk, accusing the Armed Forces of Ukraine of this act. According to the occupation administration, 28 civilians were killed and 25 were injured.

▪ The Operational and Strategic Grouping of Tavria Troops of the Defence Forces refuted accusations of Russian propaganda regarding Ukraine's involvement in the shelling of Donetsk. Ukraine carries out high-precision strikes on military targets and does not fight with civilians.

▪ Russia committed a crime against the citizens of Ukraine in the temporarily occupied Donetsk. This is not the first Russian provocation against the residents of Donetsk to gain political dividends. All Russian crimes will be investigated, and those involved will certainly be brought to justice.

▪ The bloody provocation in Donetsk took place on the eve of the meeting of the UN Security Council convened on January 22 on the supply of weapons to Ukraine, as well as on the eve of the regular Ramstein meeting, which will be held on January 23.

▪ The purpose of the Russian provocation is to block international assistance to Ukraine that enables it to repel Russian aggression, blaming Kyiv for the deaths of civilians.

▪ The Russian shelling of Donetsk took place amidst the defeats and losses of the aggressor, as well as a utility catastrophe in the temporarily occupied territories. By provocative shelling, the Russians also tried to shift the focus of indignation of Donetsk residents from the occupation administration to Ukraine.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security