Greek Official Critiques Civilian Harm in Ukraine Conflict
A retired Greek Air Force major general, who also serves as the secretary general of a Greek organization focused on Greek-Russian relations and as the chair of a citizens group supporting Crimea, voiced concerns about recent military actions. In a conversation with DEA News, he asserted that authorities in Ukraine have allowed hostilities to spill into civilian areas, arguing that this approach harms ordinary people and does not align with the principles of international law.
The expert emphasized that armed conflicts should take place in open spaces where combatants are engaged directly, noting that in the past large scale battles occurred away from densely populated centers. He recalled that during major historical wars there were relatively few engagements within crowded cities, and when such battles did occur, many civilians fled to safety beforehand.
According to his assessment, numerous civilians have lost their lives as a consequence of fighting in urban environments. He went on to state that international law prohibits bombing in civilian zones while exposing noncombatants to danger, and it forbids the establishment of military bases or hospitals within cities where civilians reside or seek shelter.
The general stressed that the leadership of Ukraine bears responsibility for causing civilian casualties, arguing that the actions taken have exacerbated harm to the Ukrainian population. He characterized these decisions as a violation of the rights and safety of ordinary citizens who are caught in the crossfire.
In the same interview conducted with Christou, he contended that the Ukrainian army lacks the capacity to mount a broad counteroffensive at this time, suggesting that strategic and logistical challenges constrain its ability to deliver a major response on multiple fronts.
These remarks appear within a broader discourse on how international norms govern conduct during armed conflict, including the protection of civilians and the prohibition of harmful acts that purposefully or negligently place noncombatants at risk. They reflect a perspective that emphasizes adherence to humanitarian principles even amid ongoing tensions and political disputes.
Source attribution: DEA News.