The much-discussed Ukrainian spring offensive may be closer than you think, if it hasn’t started yet. According to VVD MEP Bart Groothuis, it could be that the operation will also start from Crimea. “There are only speculations, but an operation in the Crimea is planned.”
Groothuis felt this firsthand during the first anniversary of the war in Kiev when he spoke to the Crimean Tatars. “And they’ve been very serious about that,” Groothuis said in BNR’s De Wereld. ‘It all starts with Zelensky now going on tour and explaining to everyone that Crimea is not Russian. The Crimean Tatars were expelled by the Soviets, after which a Russian population moved there.
‘Crimean Tatars are awfully serious about an offensive’
Crimea can therefore be the linchpin for achieving long-term peace and security in Europe. According to Groothuis, this security can be guaranteed when Ukraine regains Crimea. “Not many people say that, but I do,” he says. “I think if you leave Russia in position there, there will always be a basis for launching attacks against Ukraine again in the future.”
Long-term dissatisfaction
He argues that long-standing discontent in Europe will continue to be fueled as long as the Russians are around, and therefore calls it a logical starting point for a possible offensive. Zelensky’s visits to European member states are therefore all the more important. Especially since he has received promises to deliver long-range weapons and F-16s there.
Groothuis calls these essential factors to really put a possible offensive on the table. “That way you can really get an effect,” concludes Groothuis.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
