Budanov told how Ukraine could liberate Crimea

The liberation of Crimea from the Russian invaders can be achieved by a combined approach. At the same time, it will not be possible to give up military action. This was stated by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kirill Budanov, in an interview with the Radio Liberty project "Crimea Realities".

The combined way is not only diplomatic, not only military, there are many different options. But without military action it is impossible. As I have been saying all these years. We will get everything back in a combined way. What it is - I will not give explanations now," he said.

He noted that the Ukrainian authorities had expected to enter the peninsula already this summer, but the counter-offensive turned out to be not so swift.

Unfortunately, we have to admit that events are developing slower than they should have according to all calculations. But we can say that we are confidently moving forward. And if you look at Crimea and the level of hostilities that are taking place there, you will realise that there is nothing to compare it with, compared to 2022, - said the head of Ukrainian intelligence.

Budanov also assessed the impact of strikes on the Crimean bridge on the war. He emphasised that by taking the bridge out of service one can count on slowing down military supplies to Crimea, but the invaders still have a ferry crossing.

The main thing for logistics is not the Crimean bridge, but the railway bridge. And there has been a ferry crossing since ancient times. There will not be the same pace, but they will be able to replenish supplies all the same," he noted.

Budanov added that the expectation of the Ukrainian offensive on the peninsula instils terror in the invaders and collaborators try to leave for Russia.

We will remind, the Russian Federation occupied Crimea in 2014.