Budanov reveals post-invasion plans of Russian supporters in Crimea
Russian citizens and Russia supporters will leave the Crimean Peninsula via the Kerch ferry crossing once Ukrainian units enter Crimea, Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian military’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), said in his interview with YouTube channel “Different People” on May 16.
“The majority of the radical pro-Russian population, upon the arrival of Ukrainian units in Crimea through any form of advancement, be it offensive or otherwise, will promptly depart for the Russian Federation via the ferry crossing,” Budanov believes.
“No one will remain here.”
In response to inquiries regarding the crossing, Budanov dismissed the necessity of the Crimean Bridge.
“They will vacate this territory — they are not suicidal, believe me,” he said.
“This is evident from all the previously liberated areas: where are those who once clamored, ‘Russia, come’? They are now in Russia. There will be no exceptions here.”
Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov had previously asserted that Ukraine intends to reclaim Crimea without engaging in armed conflict, emphasizing that a purely military counteroffensive is not being considered.
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