Putin will not spare any Crimean city when Ukraine regains control – Portnikov

He stated this on Espreso.

"We need to understand that once Crimea is liberated, it will become similar to the Kherson region. There won't be any more 'resort season' in Crimea because the Russian invaders from the Black Sea and Russia itself will systematically destroy cities and villages," according to Portnikov.

He also stressed that Ukraine should start discussing air defense with its allies as part of the de-occupation plan. This is crucial to prevent Sevastopol, Simferopol, Yalta, and other Crimean cities from turning into desolate places.

"There will be a significant number of refugees from Crimea, leaving it empty. I believe that Putin won't spare any Crimean city if Ukraine regains control. There won't be any doubt that everything there will be demolished," he added.

• Previously President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the necessity to "neutralize" the Crimean bridge.