Even a Russian nuclear strike would not end the fight to expel invading Kremlin soldiers, according to the major general who recently retired from the military.
A Ukrainian deputy defense minister has claimed that Ukrainian soldiers could return to Crimea by the end of December and that the entire conflict with Russia will conclude by spring.
A retired major general, Volodymyr Havrylov, stated that his country would never stop fighting until victory and had even considered the possibility of a Russian nuclear strike.
The minister stated that he regarded the likelihood of a nuclear attack by Russia to be low, but added: “Indeed, there would be drama.
“For everyone, it will be the same – God only knows what scenario – but [a tactical nuclear strike] is not a danger that will prevent us from… continuing the war.”
Regarding the possibility of peace talks with the Kremlin, Mr. Havrylov stated that they would not take place until Russian troops are prepared to leave every square inch of Ukraine, including the Crimean peninsula that President Vladimir Putin annexed in 2014 and large swaths of the east of Ukraine held by Russian-backed separatists for the past eight years.
During a trip to the United Kingdom this week, he stated in London, “There is a consensus within Ukrainian society that we are nearing our end.
“It makes no difference what scenario is on the table.
“People sacrificed a great deal of blood and exerted a great deal of work for what we have already accomplished.
“Everyone is aware that every delay or frozen conflict is merely the continuation of this war against Ukraine’s national existence.”
The recapture of the southern city of Kherson by Ukrainian forces, supported by Western armaments, earlier this month forced Russian forces to retire to the eastern bank of the Dnieper River.
It was the only regional capital that Russia had captured.
Mr. Havrylov responded, “It’s only a matter of time, and we’d like to achieve it as quickly as possible.”
He suggested that this may be aided by a “black swan” event – something unanticipated – occurring in Russia, such as the rapid fall of the Putin regime.
“I believe Russia can deal with a black swan in their country, within Russia, and it can assist to our victory in Crimea,” the minister stated in perfect English.
Additionally, there was a military alternative including some mix of forces, resources, and something else.
“For instance, we can enter Crimea by the end of December. Possible, possible. Not ruled out that it is so, “he added.
Mr. Havrylov felt that the Ukrainian forces would continue to battle into the winter, capitalizing on their momentum despite the tough conditions, which included freezing temperatures and tiredness.
He stated that they had no alternative because any break in operations would provide the Russian side with a greater opportunity to replenish supplies and bring in reinforcements.
“The goal is to simply suspend the conflict to regroup and recruit additional individuals from the homeland.
“We, therefore, have no right to halt. We ought to proceed, “he added.
As to when the battle would finish, Mr. Havrylov stated that if Russia can reinforce, the military must be prepared for a lengthy conflict.
“Obviously, in this situation, the conflict will be lengthy. Nonetheless, I believe that before the end of spring, this battle will be ended.”
