Ukrainian Joint Forces ready for all kinds and ways of fighting - Nayev

Commander of the Joint forces, Lieutenant-General Serhiy Nayev said this in an interview with the Internet portal Obozrevatel.

"The political and diplomatic way of de-occupation of Donbas is now a priority. The Joint Forces are steadily following the Minsk agreements. However, if necessary, we will fully accomplish our tasks. Joint Forces are ready for this," he said.

Nayev stressed that occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions would be released one way or another. "Donbas and all of Ukraine are waiting for it. There is and there can be no place for invaders in our land," he said.

He recalled that Ukrainian President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Petro Poroshenko had clearly stated that he saw the liberation of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, within the limits recognized by the international community, in a political and diplomatic manner. 

"And I, as Joint Forces commander, should create so strong Joint Forces so that no international partner or the one with whom the talks on a political and diplomatic settlement will be held had no doubt that, if necessary, Joint Forces will be ready for all kinds and ways of fighting," he said.

Nayev stressed that the Ukrainian army had strengthened significantly during the four years of the war in eastern Ukraine: "Differences can be seen with the naked eye - and not only by our citizens, but also foreigners, NATO partners who appreciate our army."

op