Krym was simply surrendered — Biltsky's bold statement on the occupation.

This was stated by the commander of the Third Separate Assault Brigade, Andrey Biletsky, in an interview with Natalia Moseychuk.

Why the Crimean Peninsula Was Occupied

Biletsky noted that in 2014, Ukraine had the capacity for resistance. However, no efforts were made to prevent the occupation, and Crimea was essentially surrendered.

"It wasn't such a clear-cut situation. We literally surrendered it (Crimea. — Ed.). Hundreds of thousands of people were for Ukraine. Tens of thousands participated in protests. They were ready to organize 'militias.' There were different military units, but most were prepared in the initial days to follow orders and defend the Crimean Peninsula," he emphasized.

At the same time, the brigade commander pointed out that the Russians had a directive to retreat and regroup in case of resistance. However, according to Biletsky, this did not happen, resulting in Crimea falling under occupation.

It should be noted that the Ukrainian Navy has carried out dozens of successful strikes on strategic enemy targets in Crimea. As a result, ammunition depots, airfields, and air defense facilities were destroyed.

A Ukrainian drone struck the Russian tugboat "Fedor Uryupin" in temporarily occupied Crimea. This vessel belonged to Ukraine and was seized by the Russians during the annexation of the peninsula.