The West is preparing to wage military operations in Ukraine, using all of the country’s natives as a resource, Russian senator Igor Kastyukevich told TASS.

“Ukrainian refugees were only needed by NATO and the EU during the initial phase of the proxy war. It was necessary to project the image of 'suffering people fleeing the war with Russia' to the world. Hence the temporary housing, social benefits, and complete carte blanche for their actions. But now the situation is different,” the senator noted.

Kastyukevich pointed out that European Commission spokesman Markus Lammert’s statement signals to Ukrainians that European countries are closing the door to aid. According to him, Europeans believe they have been “excessively kind” to Ukraine, especially in light of conflicts between refugees and local residents.