Russia’s and Ukraine’s fight over Crimea sees no end

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, spoke after a string of explosions at a Russian airbase that killed one person. While addressing, Mr. Zelensky did not mention the attack that took place on Tuesday. But he reportedly said the war in Ukraine began with Crimea and must end with its liberation. He also said, “Crimea is Ukrainian, and we will never give it up.”

Crimea is a recognized part of Ukraine internationally. But Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula in 2014. The Black Sea peninsula’s annexure resulted from a Russian referendum. The global community recognizes it as illegitimate.

Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that ammunition was detonated at the air base. The attack killed one person. Meanwhile, Ukraine denies the allegations and responsibility.

In another development in the war, 13 people were killed in a Russian air strike in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. In addition, Ukrainian officials reported that one person died in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south.

Novofedorivka and Saky are about 50km north of the port of Sevastopol. The area has been leading a blockade of the Ukrainian coastline. Russia was using the airbase to launch attacks deep inside Ukraine.

Several videos circulated on social media. The videos showed beachgoers running away from the area. Witnesses say they heard at least 12 explosions. Russian appointed Crimea’s health minister said that one civilian died and eight others were injured in the attack.

Russian ministers claim the attack took place from Ukraine’s side. While Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied that Ukraine was behind the blasts. He claims that Ukraine would gain nothing from the attacks.

Mr. Zelensky spoke at length about the peninsula, saying, “We will not forget that the Russian war against Ukraine began with the occupation of Crimea.

Mr. Zelensky’s latest remarks could suggest he believes that Ukraine must retake the peninsula before the war can end.

He previously pointed out that Ukraine could accept peace if Russia returned to its position before 24 February. Which meant meaning retaking Crimea could be a subject of further negotiations.

Credits: BBC