Pentagon: Ukraine has the right to de-occupy Crimea by any means and weapons
The Crimean peninsula is Ukrainian territory, and Ukraine has the right to de-occupy it by any means and with any weapon.
This was stated by Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a briefing, answering a question about the possibility of liberating Crimea with the help of American weapons.
She recalled the US position on Crimea: that the peninsula is part of Ukraine.
– Crimea is part of Ukraine. We have long held this position. We certainly support the Ukrainians regaining their territory by any means possible and by any means necessary – whatever weapons they use,” Singh emphasized.
She added that Washington does not dictate to Kyiv the terms of military operations, including those regarding Crimea.
– “Ukrainians make decisions about their operations and when to conduct them… If they decide to conduct an operation in Crimea, it will be within their borders. It is a sovereign part of their country that was illegally seized by Russia in 2014. They have the right to take it back,” Singh said.
She assured that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Recently, U.S. General Ben Hodges predicted that Ukraine will be able to return Crimea by the end of August 2023. He explained that without the de-occupation of the peninsula, Ukraine will never be safe and will not be able to restore its economy.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense