A representative of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, Andrii Cherniak, told Krym.Realii that the Russian army continues to strengthen its positions in the annexed Crimea, fearing the loss of the territory.
According to him, in response to the threat of losing the peninsula, Russian forces are increasing the number of units and personnel. Cherniak believes that Russia’s primary goal is to ensure the security of Crimea and defend it.
“They are very afraid of losing Crimea. Besides doing everything they can, they are trying to hold onto the Kherson region. Their main goal is to retain Crimea. They want to make Crimea safe for themselves — to make sure that no one can seize this territory. That’s why they will continue to saturate it with troops and military equipment as much as possible,” Cherniak said.
Since August 2022, the sounds of explosions have been heard in Crimea almost daily. Russian authorities explain this by claiming they are shooting at “Ukrainian drones,” “air defense operations,” or “military exercises.” The Kremlin-appointed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov (also spelled Aksenov in documents), has called drones the “main threat” to Crimea.
In an interview with Krym.Realii in August 2023, the head of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (HUR), Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Ukrainian forces are capable of reaching any point in annexed Crimea to strike enemy targets. According to him, there are many options for the de-occupation of Crimea, but it cannot happen without military action and combat operations.
