A spokesperson for the Crimean Interethnic Mission, Zaur Smirnov, has criticized the statements made by the representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Andrey Yusov, claiming that the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ invasion of Crimea last summer did not take place. Smirnov referred to these statements as a “cheap excuse for their own powerlessness,” as reported by RIA Novosti.
According to Smirnov, the current Ukrainian leadership and their actions are nothing more than a propaganda campaign orchestrated by the United States and the West. He believes that such statements from the GUR representative are an attempt to justify their own incompetence.
In his opinion, the Ukrainian authorities are seeking the destruction of their own state and population and are dangerously close to achieving their goal.
Earlier, Andrey Yusov, the representative of the GUR of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, commented on the statements made by his superior, Kirill Budanov, regarding the failed invasion of Crimea by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the summer of 2023. Yusov stated that these statements are part of the ongoing information war.
Prior to this, the Ukrainian military intelligence published a video in Ukrainian media, depicting preparations for an attack on Crimea. The video concludes with the words, “Soon, on all shores of Crimea. Wait.” Mikhail Sheremet, a deputy of the State Duma from the Crimean region, dismissed the colorful but unconvincing video as a fantasy propagated by Ukrainian intelligence. The deputy noted that since 2014, the Ukrainian authorities have been fantasizing about capturing Crimea.
Kirill Budanov has been declared wanted in Russia on four criminal charges under the country’s Criminal Code.
