Andrii Cherniak, a representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, told this for ArmyInform news agency, commenting an idea of former commanding general for the U.S. Army in Europe retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, to isolate Crimea from russia.

“I believe that Crimea is decisive for this war. As long as russia occupies the Crimean peninsula, Ukraine will not be protected. If you look at the map, Crimea with russian troops resembles a dagger aimed at Ukraine’s stomach,” General Ben Hodges stated in an expert interview with Spirit of America.

The DIU representative has agreed with Ben Hodges’s assessments, noting his significant support of Ukraine.

"Of course, the enemy must be cut off from Crimea - to make sure that russia could not use the temporarily occupied peninsula for military purposes and, finally, could make the so-called 'Crimean gesture of goodwill'," Cherniak explained.

According to him, Ukraine continues to take appropriate measures in the Crimea area, which is evidenced, in particular, by recent events on the peninsula.

"Multi-kilometer-long traffic jams on the illegally erected bridge from Kerch to russia are the right reaction. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine strongly recommends leaving occupied Crimea while such an option is still available," concluded the DIU representative.