Opinions of Crimean population are changing, Kremlin realizes inevitability of de-occupation – GUR
The Kremlin realizes that the de-occupation of Crimea is inevitable. That is why Russia is deploying additional military units to the peninsula and preparing fortifications.
This was stated by Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, in an interview with ArmyInform.
He noted that the de-occupation of the Crimean peninsula and its return to the jurisdiction of Ukraine will include a number of aspects: military, economic, social, humanitarian and legal. And the military component is a key factor in the liberation of Crimea.
– In recent years, the whole world has become convinced that no restrictions, economic sanctions, global diplomacy, or international law will solve the issue of de-occupation of Ukrainian territories. Therefore, we cannot do without the use of force in this process. This is a key factor in de-occupation. Another thing is how Ukraine will use the military component,” emphasized Skibitsky.
The GUR representative added that Russia is deploying new forces to the north of the peninsula and building defenses as Ukraine receives new weapons.
– “It is obvious that the Kremlin is preparing, realizing the inevitability of de-occupation,” he said.
At the same time, Ukrainian intelligence assesses the likelihood of Russia using nuclear weapons as low even after Ukraine launches an active operation to liberate Crimea. According to Skibitsky, the Kremlin is aware that a nuclear strike will not help win the war, but will lead to the rapid disintegration of the Russian Federation.
– After Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored, a set of necessary programs will be implemented in Crimea to restore normal and safe life there. The Crimean peninsula will once again become a popular Ukrainian resort,” the GURrepresentative said.
According to intelligence, since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the mood of the population in the occupied Crimea has been changing. Ukrainian intelligence monitors their dynamics.
According to Skibitsky, the attitude towards Russia on the peninsula is changing among those who have relatives affected by the war on the mainland of Ukraine and among sympathizers of the Russian regime.
– “The number of sympathizers of the Russian occupation regime in Crimea is decreasing after its atrocities and war crimes,” the representative of the GUR said.
Commenting on the events related to the occupation of Crimea in 2014, Skibitsky reminded that the then Ukrainian government (former President Viktor Yanukovych) worked in the interests of the Russian Federation. Therefore, no one reacted to the many indicators that signaled the threat of a serious Russian escalation on the peninsula.
– “Under conditions when the authorities authorized to give the relevant orders were actually working in Russia’s interests and undermining our defense capabilities for years, and the enemy was systematically preparing to seize Crimea, there is no need to talk about the effectiveness of attempts to prevent the occupation,” Skibitsky explained.
Recently, the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov stated that Crimea will definitely return home, and there will be no nuclear strike by Russia, as it is only a tactic of intimidation.
Source: The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, ArmyInform