RT.com
01 Oct 2025, 03:26 GMT+10
Ben Wallace said Ukraine and its allies must make the Russian-held peninsula unviable
Kiev's Western backers must help make Crimea "not inhabitable," former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has said.
Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum on Tuesday, Wallace argued that Russia viewed the Black Sea peninsula as a "Holy Mount," and that Ukraine should strike where it would inflict the greatest damage.
"We have to help Ukraine have the long-range capabilities to make Crimea unviable. We need to choke the life out of Crimea," Wallace said. "If it is not inhabitable or not possible for it to function... I think, if we do that, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin will suddenly realize he's got something to lose," he added.
He suggested that Kiev should prioritize attacks on the Kerch Strait Bridge, which connects Crimea with Russia's Krasnodar region. Ukrainian forces struck the bridge in October 2022 and July 2023, temporarily halting traffic.
Wallace, who served as defense secretary from 2019 to 2023 and is known for his hardline stance, previously urged Ukraine to mobilize more of its population to fight Russia.
Crimea voted to secede from Ukraine and join Russia shortly after the 2014 Western-backed coup in Kiev. Home to around 2.5 million people, the peninsula also hosts Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Since 2014, Ukraine has imposed an economic blockade, cutting power and water supplies.
The Kremlin has described the UK as "one of the leaders of this pro-war camp" due to its military aid to Kiev and calls for tighter sanctions on Moscow.
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Bristol Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Bristol Star.
More InformationLIVERPOOL, UK – In a significant rebellion against its own leadership, the UK's governing Labour Party has voted to formally declare...
LONDON, U.K.: Hackers have stolen personal data on more than 8,000 children attending nurseries in London operated by childcare provider...
Ben Wallace said Ukraine and its allies must make the Russian-held peninsula unviable Kiev's Western backers must help make Crimea...
Ben Wallace said Ukraine and its allies must make the Russian-held peninsula unviable Kiev's Western backers must help make Crimea...
Washington DC [US], September 30 (ANI): Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, weeks after performing his 'Back to the Beginning' show...
New Delhi [India], September 30 (ANI): British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron expressed 'disappointment and sadness' over the vandalism...
SAN FRANCISCO, California - YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump, who alleged...
KYIV, Ukraine: Ukraine's Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been on emergency generators for more than a week, heightening...
DAKAR, Senegal: Interpol says a coordinated crackdown on cybercrime across 14 African countries has led to the arrest of 260 people...
WASHINGTON, DC - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is enthusiastic about the Gaza peace plan finalized on Monday at the White...
LIVERPOOL, UK – In a significant rebellion against its own leadership, the UK's governing Labour Party has voted to formally declare...
ABUJA, Nigeria: A Nigerian court has rejected a bid to dismiss terrorism charges against separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that...
