War cannot end while Crimea is under Russian occupation, says Zelenskyy
The war against Russian aggression cannot end while Crimea is under Russian occupation, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with US television channel CNN on July 2.
While the thrust of Kyiv’s efforts has been focused on recapturing territory in the south and east of Ukraine, Zelenskyy said that his ultimate goal was to liberate Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 in violation of international law.
“We cannot imagine Ukraine without Crimea,” he said.
“And while Crimea is under Russian occupation it means only one thing: the war is not over yet.”
Asked whether there was any scenario under which there could be peace without Crimea, Zelenskyy said: “Then it would not be victory.”
Reports indicate that numerous fortification lines are being constructed between the border with mainland Ukraine and the Russian logistical hub in Dzhankoi, located in the north of Crimea. Russian troops have been observed moving near the ongoing construction.
Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov previously stated that Ukraine would regain control of Crimea without fighting, alluding to a strategy of isolating and besieging the peninsula.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
