Malyar urges viewers to disregard Russian statements about Azov

Alyona Mazurenko - Wednesday, 18 May 2022, 23:03

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Hanna Malyar, called on viewers to perceive Russian statements about Azovstal defenders as propaganda political statements aimed at Russia's domestic consumers.

Source: Deputy Minister of Defence, Hanna Malyar on air during the national newscast

Quote: "Russia has its own political processes, has its own political groups ... Thus, during this rescue operation [for the defenders of Mariupol - ed.] and during the negotiations, we have been hearing really different statements from different people representing different forces."

"Therefore, we must perceive them as political statements made for their propaganda effect and to achieve the propaganda goal for domestic Russian consumption …"

"I understand the worries and concerns that have now overtaken our entire country, because they [Mariupol defenders - ed.] are our defenders, they are our heroes, and indeed, we are all doing our best to save them."

"I understand that everyone wants to know at least some information, but the rescue operation is still underway. That’s first and foremost. Secondly, negotiations are underway, because the rescue operation itself has several difficult stages."

"This process is very sensitive. Any information we make public can be detrimental to both the process and our defenders [defenders of Mariupol -ed.]."

Details: Hanna Malyar added that excessive publicity could damage the exchange process.

The Deputy Minister called on activists to be considerate and not to complicate the negotiation process.

Quote: "I want to appeal once again to our activists, caring people, who are trying to hold information campaigns regarding the exchange of a particular person. I want to say that this often complicates the negotiation process. This is a case that professionals should deal with."