Fears Russia's Putin is planning 'Korea-style' move in Ukraine

Russia President Vladimir Putin is planning on dividing Ukraine in two in a ‘Korea-style’ split, says Ukraine’s military intelligence chief.

General Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ministry of Defence’s Intelligence Directorate, said Putin has been forced to rethink his plans after failing to take control of the nation’s capital, Kyiv.

“There is reason to believe that he is considering a "Korean" scenario for Ukraine. That is, it will try to impose a dividing line between the unoccupied and occupied regions of our country,” Budanov said on Sunday [local time], the ministry’s Telegram account reported.

“It is an attempt to create North and South Korea in Ukraine. After all, he is definitely not in a position to swallow the whole country,” he said.

Russia's invasion of its southwesterly neighbour, now in its 32nd day, has stalled in many areas.

Its aim to quickly encircle Kyiv and force its surrender has faltered against staunch Ukrainian resistance – bolstered by weapons from Western allies.

"The occupiers will try to unite the occupied territories into a single quasi-state entity, which will oppose independent Ukraine,” Budanov continued.

"We are already seeing attempts to create "parallel" authorities in the occupied territories and force people to give up the Hryvnia. They may want to bargain at the international level.

"But the resistance and rallies of our citizens in the occupied territories, counter-attacks by the Armed Forces and gradual liberation — significantly complicate the implementation of enemy plans.

"In addition, the season of total Ukrainian guerrilla safari will soon begin.

"Then there will be one relevant scenario left for the Russians — how to survive," he concluded.

Oleksii Arestovych, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said Russia would withdraw troops from Kyiv and Kharkiv regions and send them to Donbas “within a week or two”.

Several hours after Budanov’s revelations, Zelensky admitted it would be “impossible” to completely force Russia out of the country without it escalating “to a third World War”.

Zelensky said he was willing to become neutral and compromise over the status of the eastern Donbas region as part of a peace deal.

Local leaders said the region could soon hold “referendums” to determine if residents want to be part of Russia, like what happened in Crimea after Russia seized control of the region in 2014.

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President accuses West of lacking courage

Zelensky accused the West of cowardice as his country fights to stave off Russia's invading troops, making an exasperated plea for fighter jets and tanks to defend his country.

The president lashed out at the West's "ping-pong about who and how should hand over jets" and other weapons while Russian missile attacks kill and trap civilians.

"I've talked to the defenders of Mariupol today. I'm in constant contact with them," Zelensky said in a video address, referring to the besieged southern city that has suffered some of the war's greatest deprivations and horrors.

"Their determination, heroism and firmness are astonishing.

"If only those who have been thinking for 31 days on how to hand over dozens of jets and tanks had one per cent of their courage."

with Reuters, AAP

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