We cannot imagine Ukraine without Crimea. And as long as Crimea is under Russian occupation, it means one thing: the war is not over.

Interview for CNN. On the return of Crimea, counteroffensive actions and important weapons that Ukraine needs.

“Today I was in the hospital and visited our military there: sailors, marines, and sailors who were wounded. They all talk about Crimea. And the surgeons who saved the lives of these guys and whom I also congratulated on the Day of the Ukrainian Navy are all from Sevastopol.

And when Crimea and Sevastopol were occupied, they all went to the government-controlled part of Ukraine and are still here today.

I was also at the Institute of the Naval Forces, which used to be based in Crimea. That’s why everyone has the same feeling – a mandatory victory, a mandatory return to Crimea.

I will tell you as a citizen, not as a president, I adore Crimea. I adored it before my presidency and before the occupation. Every year we were there with my family.

We cannot imagine Ukraine without Crimea. And as long as Crimea is under Russian occupation, it means one thing: the war is not over.”