He told about this in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, emphasized that even if the temporarily occupied Crimea peninsula is liberated before Donbas, the war will persist until all of Ukraine's territories are restored. He noted that Crimea is an integral part of Ukraine, and without its return, the situation cannot be considered resolved.
Budanov stressed that Ukraine must recover all its territories, and though it will take time, they still have it.
"If Crimea is the last to be taken, then it will signify the end of war. However, if it is taken before Donbas, the war will continue," he emphasized.
The Ukrainian military aims to regain its 1991 borders, and Budanov asserts that there is no other way to end the war.
"There is only one way to end this war - by returning the 1991 borders. It is impossible, it is unrealistic to end this war without solving the territorial issues. Ukraine will not surrender any part of its territories," Budanov added.
The Russian occupiers' decision not to hold a parade on May 9 on the Crimean peninsula could indicate that they are preparing for a possible counteroffensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Furthermore, Russian troops have installed a radar station near the city of Kerch in the temporarily occupied Crimea to detect air, sea, and land objects.