The head of the Victory Drones project, founder of the NGO "Center for Aerial Intelligence Support" and a well-known volunteer, Maria Berlinska, criticized populist predictions about war and the return of Crimea. In an interview with Ukrainian Radio, she emphasized that statements like "two or three weeks - and coffee in Crimea" are not only far from reality, but also harmful to society.
Berlinska emphasized that forecasts that play on emotions and create illusions of quick victory are harmful.
“This is a great disrespect for people. First, such statements relax society, and second, they demonstrate either a lack of understanding of the situation or deliberate manipulation. When a person says such things, they are either an idiot themselves or consider people idiots,” the volunteer sharply remarked.
Commenting on the course of the war in 2024, Berlinska noted that many fighters have been fighting for the eleventh year, and this cannot but affect morale.
“Every year it gets harder: less strength, more work. But it is thanks to our soldiers that we live a relatively normal life, despite all the difficulties,” she emphasized.
Berlin also emphasized the importance of a realistic approach to the war. She called for not hoping for a quick return to the 1991 borders, and instead proposed building an echeloned, fortified defensive line.
“Ukraine must become strong, because otherwise we will have to surrender, and then the whole country will turn into mass graves,” the volunteer warned.
Berlinska reminded of the danger of spreading populist narratives, including statements about “Putin’s imminent death” or “Russia’s collapse tomorrow.” She emphasized that such messages only mislead people.
“I always try to be responsible for my words. When you work with such serious topics as war, responsibility for every word spoken must be absolute,” the volunteer concluded.
Despite the complexity of the situation, Maria Berlinska emphasizes Ukraine's achievements. She expressed gratitude to the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who are deterring Russian aggression, and called on society to think realistically and take a responsible approach to the war.
