Liberation of Crimea slower than expected, admits intelligence chief Budanov
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Previous forecasts of Ukrainian military intelligence regarding the liberation of Crimea from Russian occupation were too rosy, but Ukraine is moving towards this goal, Kyrylo Budanov, the Head of the Ukrainian military’s Main Intelligence Directorate or HUR, said on Aug. 24.
“Yes, we’re not on schedule,” Budanov said in interview with RFE/RL’s Krym-Realii media project.
Read also: Ukrainian intelligence behind ‘surrender’ of Russian Mi-8 helicopter — Budanov
“Yes, unfortunately, we must admit that events are developing slower than they should be according to all calculations. But we have what we have... If you look at Crimea and the level of hostilities taking place on the territory of the peninsula, you’ll understand that there is nothing to compare with 2022, and I’m not talking about the period from 2014 to 2022. That is, we’re moving towards the goal. Yes, slower than we wanted, slower than expected, but we’re moving.”
Read also: Reports of fighting, explosions in occupied Crimea as Ukrainian special forces raid Russians
Forecasts are based on facts, figures, course of events, economic indicators, etc., Budanov said.
However, there is a reality on the battlefield that “turned out to be less intense,” he added.
In an interview with U.S. newspaperthe Washington Post in late January, Budanov said that “we must do everything to ensure that Crimea returns home by summer.”
Later in April, in an interview with NV, the intelligence chief said that “everything is going according to schedule” and the Armed Forces of Ukraine would Crimea by the end of spring 2023.
Read also: Ukraine develops economic recovery plan for Crimea, says PM Shmyhal
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
