Ukrainian official: Crimea will be returned to Ukraine only after the fall of Putin’s regime
The annexed Crimea can only be returned to Ukraine after the fall of the current political regime in Russia, as expressed by Heorhiy Tuka, the Deputy Minister for the Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine, during an interview with UNN (Ukrainian National News).
According to him, the annexed peninsula can’t be returned through the adoption of laws or other documents.
"I believe that if I see and understand the options to regain control over the Donbas, I don’t see any way of returning the Crimea, except for the destruction of the regime existing in Russia today. In addition, the adoptions of any laws in this case, I think, is just political intrigue. When I hear the statements of some Ukrainian populists that ‘the criminal authorities have done nothing for the Crimea,’ then excuse me, but we won’t return either the Donbas or the Crimea to Ukraine by any document, law, or by-law. Only a step-by-step compilation of actions. The documents, increased fighting efficiency of the troops, increased economic and financial viability of Ukraine, and the strengthening of our communities, each of these will evolve independently. This is the only way we will regain the territory," Tuka explained.
He also underlined that Russia would certainly oppose the introduction of a peacekeeping mission to the peninsula.
“Presumably, it can be considered [the introduction of peacekeepers in the Crimea]. But, I think that this is a very premature step. I am convinced that Russia will disagree as it does now. The President of the Czech Republic, Miloš Zeman's, recent statement was rejected even by Russia," Tuka said.