Zhytomyr, February 20, AZERTAC

Zhytomyr oblast is region that came under most fierce attacks since the first days of Russia`s war against Ukraine.

Many parts of the city were bombed by missiles, civilian buildings were hit, including a high school. Taking into account that Zhytomyr region is located on the border with Belarus, it is possible to say that these places are always “a dangerous area”.

On the eve of the first anniversary of Russia`s February 24 offensive, military experts and some officials predict another attack on Ukraine from the territory of Belarus. This opinion was confirmed by Vitaliy Bunechko, Governor of Zhytomyr Oblast, the head of the military administration, during his interview with AZERTAC`s special correspondent.

"Truly, tensions are mounting on the border with the Republic of Belarus. Did you hear the explosions? This is a testing ground. It is very important that our soldiers continue to train hard. Thanks to such explosions and measures taken on our border with the Republic of Belarus, the threat of a direct overland attack is currently minimal. We keep continue to create an echeloned defence system, fortifications and trenches. We have our own secrets to defend our border. For this reason, the situation is stable and fully under control," Vitaliy Bunechko added.

Despite the dangerous situation at any moment, the ethnic Azerbaijanis living in the city of Zhytomyr and its province have always stand with and provide support to the Ukrainian people.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijanis who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the ethnic Ukrainians to face the challenge together, saying "Since the beginning of the war, there has been no division into Ukrainians, Azerbaijanis or other nationalities. I am very grateful to all the people who understand the situation we are living in now”.

“I would like to emphasize the Congress of Solidarity of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis, especially Ilgar Mammadov, who was not afraid of bombings, did not go anywhere, stood up for the defence of Zhytomyr, his second homeland, from the first days of the war. Not only he, the Azerbaijanis here joined the struggle for independence."

Currently, the office of the Congress of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis is operating in the building of the Governorate of Zhytomyr Oblast.

According to the head of the Congress of Solidarity of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis Ilgar Mammadov, Azerbaijani compatriots provided needs-based humanitarian assistance several times during the war. “Even today, our compatriots are active in these activities,” he added.

Emil Huseynli

Special correspondent of AZERTAC

Zhytomyr