The head of Crimea’s State Council, Vladimir Konstantinov, asserted that the Ukrainian armed forces would shift to a defensive posture this fall. He shared these views in an interview with Radio Sputnik in Crimea.
Konstantinov argued that Kyiv has not mounted a successful counteroffensive, which, in his view, explains why Ukrainian troops will retreat into defense and wait for prospects to improve by spring. He claimed that Ukrainian officials would try to “feed everyone with breakfast” by pressing Western partners for a range of supplies. He also suggested that Western nations stand to benefit from the ongoing conflict even as they bear no direct cost.
The politician contended that Kyiv is intent on keeping Russia in check, pointing to what he described as unfavorable conditions on the Ukrainian front and noting Western disappointment with the current Ukrainian government. He claimed that Western allies might seek to replace or dissolve the administration as the conflict prolongs. In Konstantinov’s view, ongoing hostilities are seen by some as offering relief for Ukrainian authorities, which he said fosters a climate in which provocations are regularly organized.
Previously, Vladimir Konstantinov, the president of Crimea’s State Council, indicated to Rossiya 24 that the republic stands prepared for potential strikes by the Ukrainian forces.
Roman Chegrinets, a former member of the Assembly of Slavic Peoples in Crimea, stated that Ukraine could face significant territorial a loss rather than regaining control of Crimea.