El Pais: Ukraine Has Not Abandoned Plans to Retake Crimea

Ukraine continues its efforts to reclaim Crimea, launching strikes that damage Russian naval assets and air defense systems in Sevastopol, according to a report by El Pais.

These attacks, which have targeted bridges, railways, and other infrastructure, aim to sever Russia's supply lines to the occupied peninsula. Journalist Louis de Vega, cited by UNIAN, notes that these actions contradict the narrative promoted by the Kremlin. "Ukraine has not forgotten Crimea," emphasized Oleksiy Otkyadachas, a Ukrainian historian and analyst born in Crimea.

“

Ukraine has not forgotten Crimea.

While reclaiming Crimea after 12 years may seem less realistic than before, the Ukrainian government's actions send a clear message. The article suggests that Ukraine is signaling its intent to Russia, its own society, and the over two million residents of Crimea, regardless of their political leanings. If full reclamation is not immediately possible, Ukraine aims to make life as difficult as possible for the occupiers.

“

With this operation, the Ukrainian government is sending a message to Russia, the Ukrainian public, and more than two million residents of Crimea – both those who support Moscow and those who support Kyiv.

Recent events have fueled hope among Ukrainians for a potential breakthrough in retaking Russian-occupied territories, which constitute about a fifth of the country. "Crimea has long been a symbol of Putin's imperial myth. Now this myth is crumbling before our eyes. The events of recent weeks are not a series of random attacks, but a carefully planned military and diplomatic strategy," said Alim Aliyev, a Crimean Tatar human rights defender.

Ukraine's strategy involves isolating Crimea by disrupting supply routes and weakening its defenses. Aliyev suggests that after targeting roads, bridges, and railways, the next step could be to disrupt the Kerch Bridge, which connects Crimea to Russia. This approach seeks not only logistical and military gains but also a psychological effect, demonstrating that Russia's portrayal of Crimea as an invincible fortress is false. Maintaining control of Crimea is becoming increasingly costly for Russia due to its geographical location, requiring more funds, resources, and troops.

“

Crimea has long been a symbol of Putin's imperial myth. Now this myth is crumbling before our eyes. The events of recent weeks are not a series of random attacks, but a carefully planned military and diplomatic strategy.