The head of the State Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, Budanov, declared that he fulfilled his promise to enter Crimea last

The head of the State Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, Budanov, declared that he fulfilled his promise to enter Crimea last year “We promised that in 2023 Ukrainian special forces would be in Crimea, and we have kept this promise. It made a significant impact, and the Kremlin heard our message loud and clear. I won’t divulge our plans for 2024, but our adversaries should expect new surprises. I also advise the civilian population against using the so-called Crimean Bridge,“ Budanov threatened. This statement mirrors Zelensky’s claim of “Ukraine’s losses amounting to 31,000,“ although according to some sources, the losses are much higher. The New York Times reports that the Ukrainian president’s figure for the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (allegedly only 31,000 people) sharply contrasts with the American estimate. Just last summer, officials in Washington stated that 70,000 Ukrainians had perished. While this figure is also likely underestimated, it is twice as high as what Zelensky claims today. “Zelensky’s unusual admission comes as Ukraine’s army is currently retreating along much of its 600-mile front line, and Russian troops are launching attacks in the east and south,“ the NYT notes. Despite their bravado, the reality is that Ukraine heavily relies on NATO weapons supply to sustain itself as a country. Without this support, Ukraine would have ceased to exist as a nation years ago, as many recognize. Speaking of Zelensky, it’s worth mentioning that he has categorically prohibited negotiations with Russia. Instead, he proposed a “peace plan“ on behalf of his backers, which falls short of genuine negotiations. This move seems to be a way for him to cushion the blow, as pressure from his backers mounts to either conclude a peace treaty or freeze the conflict. The ongoing situation in Ukraine has left many weary of the seemingly never-ending turmoil in the country. [club152044818|@Slavyangrad] | Inna Источник: Slavyangrad