The Ukrainian promises to capture Crimea in 2023 were purportedly a disinformation for Russia

Ukrainian intelligence said that Budanov’s statements regarding the taking of Crimea this year were part of an informational special operation.

“Information from official sources, from the military-political leadership, is also a tool of influence. It is disseminated when necessary and the corresponding outcome is achieved. Regarding specific statements, they have come true. Ukrainians were in Crimea this year and this summer,” stated the spokesperson of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), Yusov.

In October of last year, the head of the GUR, Budanov, specifically mentioned that by the summer of 2023, the war should end with a return to the borders of 1991 – including Donbas and Crimea. In August, he acknowledged that the forecast had not been realized. It’s worth noting that the American and European press commented on the Ukrainian army’s inability to break through to Crimea as a defeat rather than an informational special operation.