Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his military top goal in the new year is to isolate Crimea Russia’s prized Black Sea peninsula that has served as a strategic military hub since launching its invasion of Ukraine.
Next month will mark the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine war, with no indication of either side reaching a point where hostilities could cease. Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated the new year by orchestrating a series of aerial attacks throughout the country, resulting in the loss of several dozen lives and targeting both civilian and military sites. In response to the escalation, Ukraine, backed by its Western allies, has declared its unwavering commitment to stand firm.
Ukrainian President Zelensky, in a recent interview with The Economist’s editor-in-chief, Zanny Beddoes, articulated the nation’s singular strategic objective: “We have one strategic goal, to de-occupy our territories, to be on the borders of our country.”
Zelensky reiterated, “Our goals didn’t change.” He emphasized the objective to safeguard and achieve further successes in the Black Sea, continuing efforts in Crimea and the southern regions. While not providing specific details, he expressed determination in these endeavors. Additionally, Zelensky underscored the importance of defending the eastern part of the country, particularly critical cities like Kharkiv.
Highlighting the significance of isolating Crimea, unlawfully annexed by Russia in 2014, Zelensky emphasized its extreme importance for Ukraine. He explained that this isolation serves as a strategic measure to diminish the number of attacks originating from the region, outlining its crucial role in enhancing Ukraine’s security. military top goal
In the latter half of 2023, Kyiv intensified its offensive on the peninsula, notably achieving success in targeting President Putin’s Black Sea Fleet. Additionally, strategic infrastructure in the region, including the Kerch Strait Bridge linking the peninsula to mainland Russia, was subjected to precision strikes.
In the interview, Zelensky emphasized that the extent of Kyiv’s success in 2024 hinges on the sustained military assistance provided by its Western allies. He framed the conflict in Ukraine not merely as a regional struggle in Eastern Europe but as a global issue with far-reaching implications that impact the entire world.