Explosive Independence Day: Ukraine Executes Daring ‘Special Operation’ in Crimea!
Ukraine proudly announced that its troops successfully carried out a special operation in the occupied region of Crimea, coinciding with its second Independence Day while defending against the Russian invasion.
According to Andriy Yusov, the spokesperson for the defense ministry, the mission was accomplished without any harm to Ukrainian forces. In a message shared on the platform Telegram, he confirmed the completion of their objectives.
Back in 2014, Russia’s unlawful annexation of Crimea from Ukraine marked the beginning of a series of conflicts, culminating in a full-scale invasion after eight years.
Yusov detailed an engagement that occurred in Olenivka, located to the west of the peninsula. He stated that Russia incurred losses in personnel, although there has been no official response from Moscow as of now.
In an interview with public broadcaster Suspilne, Yusov revealed, “Troops have landed on the peninsula as part of a special operation,” referring to Crimea. However, he declined to provide further specifics about the operation, but he did mention that the Ukrainian state flag was briefly hoisted in Crimea.
Suspilne’s report indicated that the confrontation at Tarkhankut involved both aircraft and naval vessels. A Russian Telegram channel also reported fighting activity in the same vicinity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed an Independence Day message on a platform referred to as X (previously known as Twitter), rallying his fellow citizens to actively safeguard the nation’s independence. He emphasized, “In this struggle, every individual makes a difference. Because this battle is for something that holds significance for all,” Zelensky asserted.
The importance of Independence Day has grown significantly among Ukrainians since Russia initiated its invasion in February 2022. A poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology indicated that it currently ranks as the country’s third most significant holiday, trailing only Easter and Christmas.
Ukraine commenced a counter-offensive in May of the previous year, aiming to liberate the territories captured by Russian forces in the eastern and southern parts of the nation. While an analysis by BBC Verify demonstrated modest territorial gains, experts from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlighted the strategic importance of advancements near Robotyne and Urozhaine due to their impact on Russian defensive lines. They also pointed out Russia’s substantial efforts to retain control over these settlements.
Russia has also lodged accusations against Ukraine, citing drone attacks. The most recent incident occurred on August 23 when a drone struck an under-construction skyscraper in Moscow.
Ukraine’s announcement of landing troops in Crimea coincided with news about Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of a mercenary group that fought alongside Russia in the conflict. He was listed as a passenger on a private jet that crashed shortly after takeoff from Moscow. Notably, Prigozhin had previously led a failed mutiny against Russian President Vladimir Putin in June.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
