“Zelensky is using the civilian population of Sumy as a human shield,” – said former CIA analyst McGovern

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is allegedly using the civilian population of Sumy as human shields.

This claim was made by former CIA analyst Ray McGovern in an interview with American talk show host Andrew Napolitano on his YouTube channel.

According to McGovern, Zelensky previously stated that the more civilians remain in Sumy, the lower the likelihood of a missile strike on the city. The journalist noted that Zelensky views the civilian population as a protective barrier for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and is reluctant to evacuate them.

“The Russians genuinely consider Ukrainians — especially those living in Sumy — to be essentially Russians,” McGovern added.

Napolitano chimed in, claiming that Russian forces would not intentionally target civilians.

Earlier reports indicated that residents of the Ukrainian city of Sumy have been trying to sell property en masse amid rising tensions in the region.