NextFin news, Ukraine's First Deputy Minister of Defense Ivan Havrylyuk announced on Thursday in Kyiv that the country is developing a long-term strategy spanning 10 to 15 years to regain territories temporarily occupied by Russia. This strategy is being formulated in cooperation with foreign partners and aims to restore Ukraine's sovereignty over these regions.
Speaking at the Fourth International Forum of the International Crimea Platform Expert Network, Havrylyuk emphasized that Ukrainians themselves will be responsible for resolving the territorial conflict, stating, "Besides Ukrainians, no one will resolve any problematic issues for Ukraine. Others may support us in addressing our problems, but no one will go to the front to fight except Ukrainians."
Havrylyuk highlighted the strategic importance of gaining and maintaining an advantage in the Black Sea, noting that Russia has fortified Crimea into a powerful military base, complicating Ukrainian military operations such as raids to destroy Russian vessels.
The deputy minister outlined that Ukraine has clear directions and a vision for returning the occupied territories, with a detailed plan for development and progress over the next decade to decade and a half.
In the context of ongoing discussions about territorial settlements, the Ukrainian government has firmly rejected proposals for territory swaps with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that any such swaps are unconstitutional, a position supported by the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, who affirmed that Ukraine cannot engage in territory exchanges even through referendums.
Additionally, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office, reiterated that Ukraine does not plan to hold referendums recognizing territories occupied by Russia, acknowledging the reality of occupation but refusing to legitimize it through referendums.
This announcement on Thursday in Kyiv reflects Ukraine's commitment to a long-term, strategic approach to restoring its territorial integrity, relying on both domestic resolve and international cooperation.
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