"It's realistic": Ukraine's top general says Ukraine has plan to reclaim Crimea

Syrskyi made this statement in an interview with the Guardian.

The Сommander-in-Сhief mentioned that the plan to reclaim Crimea is a closely guarded military secret, but the goal to de-occupy the peninsula is achievable.

"We will do everything we can to reach the internationally recognized borders of 1991. We have to win … to liberate our citizens who are in the occupied territories, who are suffering," Syrskyi said.

He stressed that Ukraine's main objective is to destroy the Kerch road and railway bridge that links the occupied peninsula with Russia. However, Syrskyi did not specify when this might occur.

Syrskyi also noted that the Kremlin was forced to "completely withdraw" from the Crimean port of Sevastopol after a series of Ukrainian attacks. Drone and missile strikes had obliterated radar and missile installations.

• Syrskyi added that Russia plans to increase its troop presence in Ukraine to 690,000 by the end of the year.