By Behlul Cetinkaya and Burak Bir
ANKARA (AA) - Defining the humanitarian aspect of the current situation in Ukraine as "dramatic", the Ukrainian ambassador to Turkiye thanked all countries for their support towards the Ukrainian people.
In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency, Vasyl Bodnar said that the number of people who cross the border from Ukraine exceeded 500,000 and most of them are looking for a place as refugees.
"So we as a world should do everything possible to stop this bloodshed, but not with it at the expense of Ukraine," he noted.
Defining the long queues at the border as "the biggest problem" due to the insufficient capabilities at the border crossing points, however, Bodnar stated that there are many groups and assist people.
"Neighboring countries, they have good shelter and good treatment. And we are very grateful for all this support we receive from our neighbors and from other countries," said the Ukrainian envoy, adding Turkiye's state-run Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) support.
Also mentioning humanitarian aid in Turkiye to Ukrainian Embassy, Bodnar underlined that they are grateful for the assistance of Turkish citizens.
"Very, big openness, very polite, assisting us in every possible step. I'm receiving a lot of messages and a lot of supplies like ordinary food, medical equipment," he added.
He also added that there is also huge humanitarian assistance by the companies from the different cities.
- 'World should do everything possible to stop this bloodshed'
Mentioning the attacks on cities and increasing casualties, the Ukrainian ambassador called on the world to do everything possible to stop the bloodshed in the country.
Saying that he believes the main targets of Russia is taking control of Kyiv and changing the president, he stated that the nation "will continue to defend their country."
"[...] we're an independent state and we're defending ourselves and Kyiv is the key point we're holding and we continue to hold it despite never all the losses," noted Ukrainian envoy.
Also touching on the recent Russian attacks on Kharkiv city, Bodnar said that civilians are scared, lives are in danger, but Ukrainians are motivated and continue their resistance.
"Despite the superiority of Russians in the missiles and in the air, they lost a lot of things and didn't get what they need to get. I mean, big cities are still under Ukrainian control and I believe they will be [remain] in control," he added.
Saying that Russia is "were not well prepared", Bodnar noted that they believe that they will come and everybody will "meet them with flowers", but now even "grannies have a gun".
Pointing out the "self-defense" system that, as he noted, was created just before the war, Bodnar stated that the potential of resistance and motivation of people play a role in preventing what Russia wanted to achieve since the first day of the war.
"Even in towns they capture, there are protests of ordinary people. We say that 'You are occupants, you're not welcome here, get out of here. We are not killing you, but we are not welcoming you'," he added.
He went on to say that Russia is trying to capture big cities like Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson, Nikolayev, Kharkiv and Mariupol. However, he stated that They did not succeed up until today.
"They just destroy a lot of things, but in many directions, they were repelled and destroyed," he added.
- 'Apply for EU membership give glimmer of hope'
Saying that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to apply for EU membership, he stressed that this development gives the country "a glimmer of hope".
Touching on the support to Ukraine in the public opinion around the world, Bodnar added that Ukraine "is paying the price now."
"However, the world walked up and saw who was right."
Saying that Russia has lost more than 5,500 troops, Bodnar noted that this is like "a big tragedy" for all of Russia.
Since the Russia-Ukraine war began last Thursday, it has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK and US implementing a range of economic sanctions on Russia.
At least 136 civilians, including 13 children, have been killed and 400 others, including 26 children, injured in Ukraine, according to UN figures.
Around 660,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, the UN Refugee Agency said on Tuesday.