Ukraine Could Have Resisted Russian Annexation of Crimea in 2014, Says Top Commander
In an interview with 1+1 TV presenter Natalya Mosiychuk, Colonel Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Separate Assault Brigade (3 OShBr), expressed his belief that Ukraine could have resisted Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Biletsky claimed that a significant majority of military units were prepared to defend the peninsula upon receiving orders.
"The situation with Crimea wasn’t as clear-cut as it’s often portrayed," Biletsky said. "We essentially gave it away. Hundreds of thousands of people were supportive of Ukraine, with tens of thousands participating in rallies, eager to form ‘self-defense units.’ There were various military units, but most were ready to follow orders and defend the Crimean peninsula in its early days."
Biletsky also mentioned a specific command issued to Russian forces during the annexation: to retreat and fly back to Kuban on a "helicopter" if they encountered resistance. However, this plan did not come to fruition, contributing to Russia’s successful annexation of the region.
Crimea’s Current Status and Ukraine’s Military Options
Ukraine has been making significant military advancements in recent times, with experts noting notable achievements in striking Russian targets on the peninsula. Military analyst Pavel Narozhnyi highlighted the destruction of the largest oil depot in Simferopol using drones as a major success.
Meanwhile, military expert Pavlo Lak Smyha believes that the Ukrainian military is doing everything possible to weaken Russian forces in the south and Lay the groundwork for Crimea’s liberation: "Due to the Ukrainian military’s firepower impacting Crimea, it has become a ‘Hot Potato’ for the enemy."
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For more updates on the current situation in Crimea and Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to liberate the region, visit Unian.press.
