Winter is Coming

November 23, 2023

Volodymyr Zelensky delivered grim news on November 21, the tenth anniversary of Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity. He said in a media interview that Russian special forces plan to overthrow Ukraine’s leadership by the end of 2023 by “any means available to them”, including assassination. He said the operation was coded “Maidan 3”, a reference to the 2004 Orange Revolution and 2013 Revolution of Dignity that took place in Kyiv’s Maidan, or its Independence Square. Zelensky bravely said he has already survived five or six attempts on his life and that, like Covid, it’s something one gets used to. He also said Ukrainians remain united, and suggested that China, the U.S., and allies pressure Russia to end its aggression because it plans “to start burning fires” in the Balkans and elsewhere to destabilize Europe and other parts of the world. Finally, he emphasized the importance to Europe of Ukraine’s struggle. “If they destroy us, if they will kill us, they will occupy NATO countries very quickly, like the Baltics, or Poland, and others. And after that, you will move your soldiers.”