Could the Armed Forces of Ukraine Have Prevented the Russian Occupation of Crimea in 2014?
As the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine began in 2014, many feared that the occupation of Crimea by Russian forces would be just the beginning. However, this was not the case. Thanks to the bravery and determination of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the city of Mykolaiv was spared from being seized by Russian occupiers. In a recent interview with Dmitry Gordon, General Dmitry Marchenko, the founder of the internet publication «GORDON,» shed light on the events of 2014 and the current state of the conflict.
The Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 was a blatant violation of international law and a major turning point in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The annexation set off a chain reaction of events that led to an all-out war between the two countries. Many have wondered if the Ukrainian Armed Forces could have prevented this occupation, and if so, how.
According to General Marchenko, the answer to this question is complex. While the Ukrainian Armed Forces were not able to prevent the occupation of Crimea, they played a crucial role in preventing the Russian occupiers from advancing further into Ukraine. The city of Mykolaiv, located in southern Ukraine, played a pivotal role in this defense.
Mykolaiv, also known as Nikolaev, is a strategic port city on the Black Sea. As the closest major city to Crimea, it was a prime target for Russian forces. However, the Ukrainian Armed Forces were able to defend Mykolaiv and prevent it from falling into the hands of the occupiers. This was due to the determination and bravery of the soldiers, as well as the strategic planning and support from the Ukrainian government.
General Marchenko also credits the successful defense of Mykolaiv to the support and cooperation of the local population. The people of Mykolaiv were united in their resistance against the occupiers and provided valuable information and assistance to the Armed Forces.
The defense of Mykolaiv was a crucial turning point in the conflict, as it prevented the Russian occupiers from advancing further into Ukraine. It also delayed the occupiers’ plans for a full-scale invasion, which gave the Ukrainian Armed Forces more time to regroup and prepare for further attacks.
One of the most significant factors that helped prevent the Russian occupiers from reaching Mykolaiv was the Ukrainian Air Force. The Ukrainian Air Force was able to effectively defend the airspace over Crimea and prevent the occupiers from launching a full-scale attack on the city. This was a major advantage for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and helped to maintain control over Mykolaiv.
However, the defense of Mykolaiv was not without its challenges. One of the most infamous events during the conflict was the defense of Donetsk International Airport. The airport, located in eastern Ukraine, was fiercely defended by Ukrainian forces for months before ultimately falling into the hands of Russian-backed separatists.
General Marchenko was directly involved in the defense of Donetsk International Airport, and he described it as one of the most difficult and brutal battles of his military career. Despite the overwhelming force of the occupiers, the Ukrainian soldiers fought bravely and held their ground until the bitter end.
The defense of Donetsk International Airport also highlighted the challenges and failures of the Ukrainian government in properly equipping and supporting their Armed Forces. Many soldiers were left without proper supplies, weapons, or reinforcements, which made their defense even more admirable. However, this also resulted in many casualties and raised questions about the government’s commitment to the military.
The events of 2014 have left a lasting impact on Ukraine and its people. The war with Russia has resulted in thousands of casualties, displaced millions of people, and caused deep divisions within the country. The conflict is far from over, and both sides continue to engage in ongoing skirmishes and negotiations for a peaceful resolution.
When questioned about the future of the conflict, General Marchenko believes that the war will ultimately end in Ukraine’s favor. He notes that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are now better equipped and trained, and are capable of defending their country against any further aggression from Russia.
However, General Marchenko also believes that it is possible for Russia to renew its offensive and launch a new attack on southern Ukraine, including Mykolaiv. He warns that Ukraine must remain vigilant and prepared for any potential threats from the occupiers.
In conclusion, while the Ukrainian Armed Forces
