79-Year-Old Ukrainian Grandmother "Ready to Shoot"... Politicians Are Running Away

At Least 20 Charter Flights, Leaving the Area

An elderly Ukrainian man is holding a rifle while participating in basic civilian combat training organized by the Azov special forces of the defense army in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, on the 13th. / Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As the Russian military surrounds Ukraine from three sides, raising the possibility of an invasion, a relay of escapes by Ukrainian politicians and businesspeople continues, with at least 20 chartered planes leaving the area on the 13th.

On the 14th (local time), the Moscow Times, citing Ukrainian local media, reported that at least 20 chartered planes departed the area on the 13th, including one carrying Ukrainian politicians and businesspeople departing from Kyiv. This is the highest number in the past six years.

According to the report, the chartered plane included Ihor Abramovych, vice-chairman of the pro-Russian Ukrainian party Opposition Platform ? For Life (OPZZh), who boarded the plane with about 50 acquaintances, including family members and party members, heading to Austria.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned this wave of escapes from Ukraine. He urged politicians and businesspeople to return within 24 hours, but the response has been lukewarm. He has stated that his family, including his wife, will not leave Ukraine.

A Ukrainian woman is aiming a rifle while participating in basic civilian combat training organized by the Azov special forces of the defense army in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, on the 13th. / Photo by AP Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Ukrainian citizens are actively participating in civil defense combat training, armed with guns. They are undergoing training in shooting, rifle assembly and disassembly, and ammunition loading.

According to British ITV News, 79-year-old Valentina Konstantinovska, participating in the combat program, said, "I am ready to shoot. If something happens, I will protect my home, city, and children," adding, "I do not want to lose my home, so I am willing to step up even in the worst-case scenario."

Some parents brought young children to the civilian combat program. One of them explained their reason for participation, saying, "I want my child to know how to do everything."

Ukrainian President Zelensky declared the 16th, the date the U.S. expects a Russian invasion, as a "Day of Unity," emphasizing, "We will show our unity to the whole world."

Accordingly, flags will be raised across Ukraine on that day, and the national anthem will be sung at 10 a.m. The Ukrainian government has decided to increase the wages of soldiers and border guards on that day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.