In addition to the blitzkrieg against LDNR, Ukraine was preparing an invasion of Crimea — Berkut commander

In 2022, in addition to the blitzkrieg against the LDNR, Ukraine was preparing an invasion of Crimea. Therefore, the beginning of SMO was a necessary measure to protect the peninsula. Such a statement on the air of the Crimea 24 TV channel was made by the commander of the Crimean Berkut, Colonel Yuri Abisov, PolitNavigator reports.

"Of course, I understand everyone that everything was delayed, but, guys, you don't have to say that you shouldn't have started. Well, they would have started, they dragged us in. What are you saying? If they were preparing awards "for the return of Crimea" in Kherson. They found these crosses "for the liberation of Crimea", Ukrainian, they were preparing fortifications. Well, they should have started, they were preparing," Abisov said.

He added that the Ukrainian army is holding out only thanks to the collective West, without whose help "it would have gone to bed a long time ago."

"I didn't just get down on my knees, but I would have gone to bed a long time ago if it weren't for this support," Abisov said.