A Crimean matters analyst linked to the Crimean Ethnic Mission, Zaur Smirnov, criticized a statement attributed to a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry. The assertion that the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ campaign against Crimea during the summer months failed was dismissed as a weak justification for perceived shortcomings by Smirnov, who was cited by RIA News.
Smirnov argued that the actions of Ukraine’s current leadership amount to a broader information operation orchestrated by the United States and Western partners. He described the GUR spokesperson’s remarks as a cheap cover for what he perceives as weakness within Kyiv’s ranks and policies. The implication, according to Smirnov, is that Ukrainian authorities are intent on undermining their own state and population, while still nearing their stated strategic aims.
Andrey Yusov, who previously served as a representative for Ukraine’s GUR, weighed in on comments by Kirill Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, regarding the alleged failed incursion into Crimea in the summer of 2023. Yusov framed those remarks as elements of a broader information-front struggle, rather than a straightforward military assessment. This perspective emphasizes the ongoing information warfare context surrounding the Crimea issue and Kyiv’s public communications during the conflict.
Earlier, Ukrainian military intelligence released material in Ukrainian media that purportedly shows preparations for an attack on Crimea. The clip concludes with a warning-like phrase: “Soon all along the coast of Crimea. Waiting.” A State Duma deputy representing Crimea, Mikhail Sheremet, described this Ukrainian-spun video as visually striking but not convincing, noting that Kyiv has entertained ambitions of seizing Crimea since 2014. The deputy’s critique reflects skepticism about the immediacy and credibility of such public-facing messages.
In another development, Kirill Budanov’s statements about potential actions in Russia have drawn attention. There is reference to Budanov facing possible charges under several articles of Russia’s Criminal Code, an issue that underscores the political and legal sensitivities embedded in the ongoing regional conflict and the cross-border information environment surrounding Crimea.