The wife of the legendary defender of Irpin, Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Tkachenko, known by the call sign “Sevas,” Valentyna Tkachenko, commented on the recent events in the city on her Facebook page, calling them a “well-timed PR stunt” ahead of the upcoming elections.
“What a sad story with the mayor… brings tears to your eyes, honestly! Even a rally is being organized in his support! The public is outraged! Poor single father… How easy it is to manipulate the emotions and feelings of the electorate! A mayor who had been rapidly losing public support, with widespread dissatisfaction surrounding him, has suddenly, just in time for the next elections, become a ‘martyr.’ Run, defend him, emotionally immature residents of Irpin. You’ve been manipulated by your ‘sense of justice.’ There is no justice here. This is just a clever PR move,” wrote Valentyna Tkachenko.
The widow of the fallen defender noted that Oleksandr Markushyn would likely be released, while her husband, who defended Irpin at the “Giraffe” checkpoint, would remain in the cemetery.
“So never! Do you hear me? Never write my hero husband’s name alongside these people!” Valentyna Tkachenko urged.
Meanwhile, members of the public organization “Union of Irpin Defenders” commented on the recent political crisis in the city on their Facebook page. The veterans stated that they would not join any “headquarters” or “initiative groups” and would not allow themselves to be dragged into political scandals.