He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.
“We should look at the de-occupation of Crimea objectively. Everything will depend on our offensive this spring, or rather on its success. If the Ukrainian Armed Forces can successfully advance towards Melitopol and liberate the city, then we can talk about the de-occupation of Crimea. I sincerely believe that this year it can happen and I will return to my native Crimea. However, everything will depend on how the offensive goes and how we prepare for it,” Kostynskyi said.
On February 17, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said that the United States does not oppose the Ukrainian Armed Forces strikes on Russian military facilities in Crimea.