"Never Set a Goal, Can Achieve Goals Anytime"
"Fighting to Protect the Russian People"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eun-ha] According to the American news outlet Newsweek on the 17th (local time), there are observations within Russia that since President Vladimir Putin has never clearly defined the goals of the Ukraine war, it is possible to declare victory and end the war at any time. On the 24th of this month, it will mark exactly one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.
According to Newsweek, Russian military commentator Igor Girkin stated in an interview on the 15th, "Since we have not formalized the goals of the 'special military operation,' we can declare that the objectives have been achieved and end the war at any time."
Girkin is a pro-government figure who served as a commander of the pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine's Donetsk region and as an agent of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).
As he said, Russia has frequently changed the reasons for invading Ukraine. Initially, when invading Ukraine, Russia cited the excuse that it could not tolerate Ukraine's pursuit of membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), but as the war turned unfavorable, it changed the narrative to liberating the Donbas region controlled by pro-Russian forces.
When asked what Russia invaded Ukraine for without an official goal, Girkin gave an ambiguous answer, saying, "Russia is fighting to protect Russia and the Russian people."
Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs, posted Girkin's interview video on Twitter and pointed out, "Terrorist Girkin said that because the goals of the 'special military operation' were deliberately left vague, victory can be declared at any time."
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