His predecessor on the submit, Mykola Zhyrnov, though being a navy man, used to handle the rear buildings of the military. Popko, nevertheless commanded the Floor Forces in 2016-2019, headed the Essential Command Middle of the Normal Workers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and in addition held the place of performing commander of the Joint Operational Command of the Armed Forces.
Why does Kyiv want the expertise of a fight normal, does this imply the specter of a brand new enemy assault on the capital, and what duties did the President set for the top of the KCMA?
Learn additionally: Shedding gentle on plans for emergency blackouts in Kyiv Oblast on Oct. 28
Popko answered these questions for NV in his first interview in his place.
NV: Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed you the top of the KCMA, noting that your fight expertise “will assist strengthen the protection and safety of the capital.” Does this imply the dangers of one other assault on Kyiv by the enemy from the north have elevated?
Popko: The enemy continues this struggle of aggression, by which the nice Ukrainian individuals are dying. It destroys the state’s infrastructure. The danger for the capital, in addition to for the remainder of our nation, remains to be there. That’s the reason all of us work for the protection of our nation. Our predominant objective is to win. I swore to the individuals of Ukraine to guard them, wherever I used to be and whoever I used to be. And the oath has no cut-off dates, as I used to be taught. Subsequently, I rely on the unity and the efforts of our group, the civil sector, politicians of varied currents and beliefs, who share the protection of our state as the primary and customary concept.
Learn additionally: Kyiv will get new air protection programs, mayor says
NV: Is there any navy expediency for the enemy to attempt to seize the capital a second time?
Popko: I feel that the Russian Federation has all the time had the will to seize the capital of Ukraine and Russia has not given up on this. We are able to focus on this matter for a very long time: “What are the explanations for Russia to assault Kyiv?” However, I feel, there are plenty of variations right here and everyone seems to be conscious of it.
NV: In February, the enemy attacked Kyiv from a number of instructions with mechanized, tank models, models of airborne troops, marines. Additionally they tried to land a touchdown social gathering within the heart of the capital. Will the Russians comply with the identical path a second time? If not, what choices have they got accessible?
Popko: I imagine the commander of the group of forces and technique of protection of the town of Kyiv is extra competent on this matter. In any case, we’re prepared for any actions by the enemy.
Learn additionally: How world leaders journey to Kyiv, what they eat, and what they do
NV: Do you intention to extend the variety of personnel of the navy models concerned within the protection of the town to be able to present further safety of the capital? What phrases and numbers are we speaking right here, what professions does the protection of the capital want firstly?
Popko: I cannot speak about numbers for strategic causes. I’ll solely say that in the mean time I’m engaged on securing the models concerned within the protection of the town. We maintain enhancing the community of defensive strains, districts and positions, and numerous forms of barricades, together with mine-explosive boundaries, are being put in. A hearth harm management system has been created, and the air protection system is being considerably improved. The entire metropolis’s municipal companies are prepared to meet their duties.
NV: Can the capital oppose a mass Russian air raid, like those that passed off on October 10 and 21?
Popko: The very fact is what Russians worry essentially the most is our reality. The reality concerning the fast restoration of our roads, concerning the fast restore of communications after strikes. After all, the navy administration, along with the navy command, implements a sure set of measures. We’re conscious of all of the dangers and take a look at to make sure the traditional functioning of the town within the present situations. Our resistance is our most necessary weapon.
NV: What work is at the moment being executed when it comes to the bodily safety of necessary infrastructure amenities from harm?
Popko: A separate mandate for organizing work on guaranteeing the soundness of essential infrastructure amenities is already underway. We dealing with this challenge. As well as, the navy administration is working laborious to reduce the results of potential strikes.
Learn additionally: Restoration of Kyiv’s vitality infrastructure to take 2-3 weeks, the mayor
NV: Concerning metropolis affairs – public transit at the moment doesn’t function throughout an air raid, however minibuses proceed to run. Might you clarify this? Is that this the way it’s meant to be? Or are personal carriers merely not following usually established guidelines? What will be executed?
Popko: I perceive the issues of Kyiv residents when site visitors is stopped: it’s a further expense, and causes inconveniences for commuters, particularly when the curfew approaches. We’re already finding out this challenge and can attempt to resolve it.
NV: Some faculties within the capital at the moment are beginning to put desks in bomb shelters. How do you are feeling about this initiative? And wouldn’t or not it’s wiser to switch youngsters to distant training?
Popko: There’s a authorities decision on guaranteeing the academic course of in 2022/23. On the eve of the start of the educational 12 months, applicable commissions have been appointed to examine all faculties for the presence of shelters. I imagine that initially we must always observe security measures, as youngsters are our future. We struggle for his or her peace and freedom. Subsequently, within the view of life beneath martial regulation, I feel that it’s every particular faculty’s council that ought to resolve one of the best ways to prepare their work. In any case, our youngsters have been continually remoted not too long ago. If the varsity is provided with a dependable shelter and face-to-face training has a greater impact on the emotional and psychological state of kids, I don’t see this as a risk.
Learn additionally: Rolling blackouts in Kyiv, huge morgue in Mariupol, and NV goes to the Kherson entrance
NV: Would you advise Kyiv residents, who can quickly go away the capital, to spend the winter in safer areas, given the varied threats?
Popko: In actual fact, it is a quite resonant query. However I would not wish to unfold panic. We notice that we have to save electrical energy. Everybody ought to consciously devour vitality assets now. The enemy desires to intimidate us, to make us afraid. However as our president stated (addressing the Russians): “We are able to stay with out gentle, however it’s higher with out you.”
Learn the unique article on The New Voice of Ukraine
