SEASON’S BEATINGS FOR VLAD
Ukraine ‘will take back Crimea by Xmas’
CRIMEA could be snatched back from Russia’s hands by Christmas and Mad Vlad’s evil war over by spring, Kyiv claims.
Retired Ukrainian major general Volodymyr Havrylov says it is “only a matter of time” before troops recapture Crimea, which Putin illegally seized in 2014.
And he believes they can wrap up the war shortly after the first anniversary of the invasion in February.
Havrylov said: “Of course, we would like to make it sooner than later.”
He said Ukraine’s aim to retake Crimea could be helped by a “black swan” event in Russia, such as a drastic political change.
Havrylov added: “Of course, in this case, the war will take some time.
“But my feeling is that by the end of the spring, this war will be over.”
The general also dismissed the idea of peace talks with Moscow and insisted it would only happen if Russian troops gave up all Ukrainian territory.
“There is a decision inside the society in Ukraine that we are going up to the end,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what kind of scenario is on the table.”
Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, echoed Havrylov’s belief in a military campaign in Crimea, saying he is “sure” it will happen.