Serhii Kryvonos: Russia Wants Time to Prepare for Another War Against Ukraine

“We Must Burn Russia’s War Machine to Ashes”: General Serhii Kryvonos on Crimea, the Frontline, and Mobilization

The outspoken military analyst delivered a stark assessment of the battlefield situation, Ukraine’s mobilization system, Russia’s strategic objectives, and the future of occupied Crimea.

Below are the key takeaways from the interview.

Ukraine Has Not Yet Seized Battlefield Initiative

Kryvonos pushed back against optimistic narratives suggesting Ukraine has fully reversed Russia’s offensive momentum.

“When we start lulling ourselves into believing we are already winning, that becomes our biggest mistake,” he said.

He pointed to the deteriorating situation around Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Kostiantynivka, arguing that battlefield realities remain extremely difficult and that Ukraine still needs significant improvements in logistics and rear support for the Armed Forces.

Russia Wants a Pause — Not Peace

According to Kryvonos, Moscow may seek a ceasefire or sanctions relief not to end the war, but to rebuild military capacity for future aggression.

He argued that Russia’s economic difficulties alone will not force Vladimir Putin to abandon his ambitions against Ukraine.

Crimea Remains a Strategic Target

Kryvonos emphasized the importance of destroying Russian logistics routes into occupied Crimea, including the Chonhar bridge and ferry crossings.

“The less supplies reach Crimea, the easier it will be for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to fight.”

While Ukraine has successfully damaged logistical infrastructure, he warned that Russia can still repair some facilities unless they are completely destroyed.

Air Superiority Alone Will Not Liberate Territory

Discussing reports of increased Ukrainian aerial control over parts of Luhansk region, Kryvonos cautioned that air dominance does not automatically translate into territorial liberation.

“A territory is considered liberated only after the infantry soldier’s boot steps onto it.”

Kostiantynivka and Lyman Are Critical

Kryvonos described Lyman and Kostiantynivka as key operational directions that could determine Russia’s ability to threaten Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

He suggested Ukraine needs specialized anti-drone units similar to Russia’s “Rubikon” formations to target Russian UAV operators directly.

“You kill those who are trying to kill you. Whoever does this first gains initiative and advantage.”

Countering Russia’s Zircon Missiles

Addressing Russia’s use of Zircon hypersonic missiles, Kryvonos said Ukraine must focus on intelligence gathering and precision drone strikes against launch positions before missiles are fired.

Crimea Is Central to Putin’s Political Myth

One of the most controversial parts of the interview concerned mobilization inside Ukraine.

Kryvonos compared the country to a boat where only the Armed Forces are rowing while the rest of society remains passive.

He criticized systemic inefficiencies that result in medically unfit recruits entering the system and ending up in hospitals rather than combat units.

The retired general also claimed that public distrust in mobilization is fueled partly by perceptions of inequality and avoidance among political elites.

“Returning Crimea Is a Matter of Time”

Despite acknowledging the enormous challenges ahead, Kryvonos insisted that Ukraine’s eventual return to Crimea remains achievable — though far from easy.

He warned that Putin will do everything possible to retain the occupied peninsula because of its military and political significance to Russia.

Interview Review | EMPR