Former head of Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service (SZRU), Oleksandr Lytvynenko, 52, took over as head of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine (RNBO) in March. This body, which is under the direct authority of the Ukrainian president, is tasked with coordinating the work of the various security and foreign policy services. More informally, the RNBO also plays the role of an interface between these structures, the presidency and civil society on strategic issues. Lytvynenko gave an exclusive interview to World during a visit to Paris on Friday, September 6.
Did the Kursk offensive on Russian territory, launched on August 6, achieve its objectives?
The operation was aimed at preventing the invasion of the Sumy region, irritating [Vladimir] Putin and to raise the morale of the Ukrainians. It continues and now depends on the skill of our military. I trust them. Unfortunately, the Russians have enough reserves to advance towards Pokrovsk. [dans la région de Donetsk]It’s not a game changer, but it’s a significant success.
Are peace negotiations possible in the current context?
Russia is not ready for substantive negotiations. The problem is to get Putin to sit down at the negotiating table. The Russians have a different strategic culture than the West. It is only possible to argue with them from a position of strength. That is why we must help ourselves to defeat Russia by arming ourselves. Otherwise the war will continue in other territories. However, we continue to implement the president’s peace formula. [Volodymyr] Zelensky, in particular preparing for the next Peace Forum.
What is your mission as secretary of the RNBO?
Our role is to assist President Zelensky in his mission, which is to ensure the national security of the country. We provide him with analysis and develop projects or decisions that we submit to him.
How often do you meet with President Zelensky?
It depends on their schedule, but everyone involved in security and war meets every week.
How do you assess the work of Russian propaganda in the West?
Russia has a lot of experience in propaganda since Soviet times. It had a significant arsenal of instruments against the West: from the peace movement to the communist parties. Today, the method is not to say that the West is bad and Russia is good, but to confuse people. To make them believe that all these countries are lying and bad in order to destabilize and ruin the image of the West. When everything is not clear, they can tell their story. To combat this propaganda, we must fight false information and put an end to anonymity on the Internet. There is also a simple solution: help Ukraine achieve victory in this war.
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