Russian diplomat says invasion is proceeding on schedule but not as quickly as some in the country would like
From CNN's Jennifer Hauser
Russia's Ambassador to the European Union said Moscow's invasion of Ukraine is on track but not proceeding at the speed certain people in the country wanted.
Calling the invasion a "special military operation," Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov told Sky News Russia could have "steamrolled" Ukraine by now if it had wanted.
"It is continuing at a certain speed, having in mind the various aspects of the situation in Ukraine, including the need to protect the troops — the Russian troops and the allies of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics — as well as the civilian population," Chizhov said.
"Had the Russian army followed the pattern of the United States and other Western countries, we would have steamrolled Ukraine several times by now. But that was never the intention. Actually, I should repeat that it was not the intention of Russia to capture territory in Ukraine."
When asked about the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine Chizhov said:
"You mean whether NATO will deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine? I hope not." He added, "As distinctly different from the United States, Russia does not deploy nuclear weapons anywhere beyond its own territory."
Chizhov said he is "deeply disappointed and saddened" by Finland and Sweden making moves to join NATO.
"Why the current Finish government has chosen to turn the country into a backwater periphery of NATO, I cannot understand," he said.
If Finland joins, Russia will take "certain military technical measures," he said.
"Like improving or raising the degree of defense preparations along the Finish border...not necessarily troops and tanks but certain preparations like radars, perhaps, but I'm not a military expert."
