Semen Semenchenko: Militias may attack in late August

Mariupol is a possible direction of attack, but the position of Ukraine’s army is strong enough to meet any attacks of Russian and terrorist groups.

Semen Semenchenko, deputy to the Verkhovna Rada and founder of the volunteer territorial defence battalion "Donbas", told in the interview with charter97.org.

- With the approach of Independence Day of Ukraine, by August 24 some military and political experts predict the aggravation of the situation in the eastern part, starting from individual provocations up to coordinated attack by the pro-Russian militia.

- I think a slight aggravation is possible, but their main efforts will be concentrated on August 31, the sitting of the Verkhovna Rada that provides voting for amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine.

We, deputies of Self-Assistance Party, will be against. I think that escalation will also be the lever of pressure for us to surrender our territory disguised as "demilitarization" and to accept amendments to the Constitution.

- How do you evaluate possibilities of Russian and terrorist forces in eastern Ukraine today?

- I believe that now they are not able to develop a serious attack on our positions, but they can make some troubles on local fronts. But the army exists to eliminate such threats.

- What are the most possible directions for the threat?

- Mariupol.

- What do you think about current position of the Ukrainian army near Mariupol?

- It is strong. Troops are pretty motivated. In case of good management - not as it was in Debaltsevo or Ilovaisk - I'm sure all attacks of militias will be defeated.