Documentary 'Secret Operation in Crimea'
For the first time, a documentary by the 2+2 TV channel titled 'Secret Operation in Crimea' has publicly revealed the details of a 2016 special operation conducted by Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (GUR) within the temporarily occupied Crimea. The operation, a raid on the peninsula, targeted Russian attack helicopters and advanced air defense systems in the Dzhankoy area. This mission marked the first operation of its kind against the Russian Federation since Ukraine gained independence, demonstrating a continued effort to challenge the occupation.
Operation Leadership and Consequences
The operation was planned and executed under the direction of Kyrylo Budanov, who later became head of the GUR and is now the Head of the President's Office. According to Budanov, the raid had a significant political impact.
'That is the main thing. Back then, everyone had essentially come to terms with the loss of Crimea and had even stopped mentioning it. Immediately after this operation, it raised the issue of Crimea. It revived it,' noted Kyrylo Budanov.
He also stressed that the operation 'greatly boosted the morale of many personnel.'
During the raid, all GUR operatives returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory without casualties. On the Russian side, two FSB officers were wounded and Lieutenant Colonel Roman Kamenev of the 'Vympel' Special Purpose Center was killed. Notably, the eliminated enemy unit commander was the son of an influential figure with personal ties to Vladimir Putin, a fact that adds further weight to the operation's significance. This detail underscores the high-stakes nature of Ukraine's covert actions.
The disclosure of this operation's details highlights the importance and complexity of Ukraine's military actions in its conflict with Russia. The mission not only demonstrated the capabilities of Ukrainian special forces but also became a symbol of Ukraine's efforts to reclaim control over Crimea. Furthermore, it influenced public consciousness, reviving interest in the Crimean issue, which had long been sidelined in media and political discourse.