Tue, July 07, 2026
The first attempt to capture the peninsula failed as early as 20 years before the annexation
Major General Illia Pavlenko (Photo: RBC-Ukraine)
Russia spent decades preparing to detach Crimea from Ukraine, using economic pressure, recruitment, and information isolation of the peninsula, according to an interview with General Illia Pavlenko.
First attempt to capture Crimea
As early as 1994, Russia attempted to capture Crimea through its proxy, Yuriy Meshkov, whose candidacy was pushed for the post of President of Crimea. According to Pavlenko, Russian special services were behind the scenes of the campaign, dictating to Meshkov populist promises – cheap gas and replacing the hryvnia with the ruble.
Ukrainian counterintelligence managed to neutralize this attempt without firing a single shot, and Meshkov was later evacuated to Russia by the Black Sea Fleet forces.
“Golden Key” to Crimea
Pavlenko called the signing of the Kharkiv Agreements during Yanukovych’s time one of the key strategic mistakes. In exchange for a discount on gas, Ukraine gave Russia a legal opportunity to increase its military presence on the peninsula under the guise of counter-terrorism exercises.
“That’s how cheaply we sold Crimea,” the general remarked, estimating the real value of that gas discount at nearly $3 billion.
According to him, these agreements became a Trojan horse – allowing Russia to modernize its weapons, bring in special forces, and prepare the infrastructure for future annexation.
Putin didn’t change Yeltsin’s policy
Pavlenko emphasizes: the first attempts to detach Crimea from Ukraine occurred back in Yeltsin’s time, long before Putin came to power.
“He simply removed the mask allowing the world to see the Russia’s true face,” the general described the difference between the two Russian leaders, emphasizing that the imperial worldview remained the same.
As an example of this mindset, Pavlenko recalled that already as a private citizen, Yeltsin asked Crimean authorities for a plot of land for a dacha (a traditional Russian country house with a garden) – that is exactly, according to the general, how Russia acted when it couldn’t take by force: it tried at least to beg.
How Russia manipulated public opinion
The general identifies three main instruments of Moscow’s influence on Crimea:
- Information isolation – satellite channels, radio, and newspapers on the peninsula were predominantly Russian, which isolated Crimea from the Ukrainian information space;
- Economic pressure – Russian banks issued preferential loans, and Gazprom controlled gas supplies at low prices, creating the illusion of a better life with Russia;
- Recruitment and funding – Moscow handed out Russian passports, funded pro-Russian parties, and created self-defense units from former military personnel.
Why Russia rushed to build the Crimean Bridge
According to Pavlenko, Crimea cannot exist autonomously without Ukraine for long, which is why Russia rushed to build the Crimean Bridge, understanding the peninsula’s vulnerability without a direct connection to mainland Russia.
What is known about the current blockade
The general also analyzed the current blockade of the peninsula as part of strategic pressure on the aggressor, emphasizing the importance of Western aid for victory in the war. According to him, Ukrainian intelligence had data on Russia’s plans for many years, and the lack of decisive action at the time played into Moscow’s hands.
Earlier, the former Ukrainian intelligence general explained why Crimea cannot be left under Russian control – according to Pavlenko, if the peninsula remains a Russian foothold, it would mean not the end of the war, but only a pause before its next stage.
The head of the Mejlis stated the condition that would force Russia to flee Crimea. Further isolation of the occupied peninsula and depriving Russian troops of fuel and electricity could force the Kremlin to start negotiations or withdraw its army.
KATERYNA SEROHINA
News Editor
Graduated from Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi Kremenchuk National University with a Master’s degree in English and German Translation. During studies, developed expertise in cross-cultural communication and media discourse analysis, which now helps in accurately conveying complex political narratives for international audiences.
Professional background includes work as a copywriter (2019-2022), where she created content for various digital platforms; proofreader/quality analyst (2021-2023), ensuring accuracy and clarity in published materials; and translator (2022-2023).
Joined the RBC-Ukraine team in August 2023. Specializes in international news, politics, and economics, with a focus on Ukraine’s relations with Western partners, military aid, sanctions policy, and global security issues. Covers statements by world leaders, diplomatic developments, and key decisions affecting Ukraine’s position on the international stage.
Passionate about classical literature, particularly works by Dickens, Austen. In free time, enjoys playing guitar.
https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/former-ukrainian-intelligence-general-reveals-1783376506.html
Congratulations to Kateryna for her excellent work.
And also for having a hint of naughtiness in her pic. Very nice!
Btw, it says she reads Dickens and Jane Austen and plays guitar.
Now that is a quality woman!
From UAWIRE :
Polish intelligence chief says Russia could continue war in Ukraine for several more years
July 5
Amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, internal problems in Russia are mounting, but President Vladimir Putin appears determined to sacrifice everything to continue the conflict.
Paweł Woźny, the head of Poland’s Foreign Intelligence Agency (AW), told Rzeczpospolita that Russia’s war against Ukraine could last several more years. According to Woźny, Moscow still maintains the capability to sustain high-intensity combat operations.
In an interview with Rzeczpospolita, Woźny emphasized that the Russian leadership sees fighting a large-scale war as its main priority and is willing to let domestic issues worsen in order to achieve its goals, which, he noted, remain very distant.
Poland’s intelligence service assesses that Russia can continue fighting due to its shift to a wartime economy. Woźny says the Kremlin is prepared to overlook the declining standard of living for its citizens and other internal challenges that, in a democratic country, would already have become critical.
Woźny also pointed out that Vladimir Putin underestimated Ukraine’s abilities early in the invasion, expecting a swift victory. Instead, the drawn-out conflict has delivered a severe blow to the Russian leader’s reputation.
This sets the record straight about Yeltsin.
We have known for some time that he was a ruthless, autocratic, assassination-ordering thug and mass murderer.
He conducted genocide in Abkhazia and Chechnya; even murdered Chechnya’s brilliant and visionary president Dzhokhar Dudaev.
Putler didn’t emerge from a vacuum.
Putler’s policies in Ukraine, Chechnya and Georgia are just a continuation of those of Yeltsin.
The Clinton administration portrayed Yeltsin as a benign, almost cuddly fellow who liked a drink.
Hillary Clinton’s book; Living History, came out in 2003. Her oral version was broadcast by the BBC. I don’t recall any mention of Yeltsin’s evil and thuggery, just jolly anecdotes of relaxed dinners with the bastard.
Dubya piled on the soft soap with putler : “I have looked into his eyes …”
He was told by the rat Nazi : “Ukraine isn’t a real country George” and stood aside when Georgia was attacked and 20% of it thieved.
Obama was even worse, Biden was weak, but did at least help Ukraine.
Now we have a fat worm who kisses the ass of a child-murderer in charge of policy.
What a total fucking lash-up.