Ahead Of Independence Day, President Zelensky Firmly Reminds Russia Not To Trial Ukrainian Soldiers

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of the possibility of Russia taking a provocative step, ahead of the 31st anniversary of the country's independence.

President Zelenskyy cited media reports that Russia was preparing to place Ukrainian fighters captured during the Mariupol siege in public court, coinciding with the independence anniversary on Wednesday.

Ukraine's Independence Day, August 24, will also mark six months since Russia invaded the former Soviet Republic, in a devastating war that has cost thousands of lives.

"If this despicable trial happens, if our people are brought to this arrangement in violation of all treaties, all international rules, there will be abuse," President Zelensky warned in an evening address.

"This will be the limit where no negotiations are possible," he said.

Furthermore, President Zelensky returned to the topic he had raised in a speech the night before.

"Russia could try to do something very disgusting, very cruel," he warned late Saturday.

"One of the main goals of the enemy is to humiliate us, sowing sorrow, fear and conflict,"

But he added: "We must be strong enough to resist all provocations" and "make the invaders pay for their terror."

Separately, Ukraine's presidential adviser, Mykhaylo Podolyak, said Russia could intensify its bombing campaign.

"Russia is an ancient country that links its actions to a certain date, it's kind of an obsession," he was quoted as saying by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

"They hate us and will try to increase the number of bombings on our cities, including Kyiv with cruise missiles," Podolyak added.

Kyiv authorities on Sunday banned public gatherings from August 22 to 25.

Meanwhile in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, the regional governor announced a curfew from the evening of August 23 to the morning of August 25.

"We will not allow any provocation by the enemy. Be vigilant during our independence holiday," Oleg Synegubov wrote on Telegram.

Kharkiv has been under regular Russian bombing for weeks and on Sunday, emergency services said a woman was killed and two other civilians injured in overnight attacks.