Turchynov: 'heroes' claiming that Russian annexation of Crimea could have been prevented are lying
Some recent claims asserting that the Russian annexation of the Crimea in 2014 could have been prevented are not true, according to statements made by the chairperson of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), Oleksandr Turchynov, in his witness statements before the court where he was testifying in a high treason case against the former President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych.
“Former Chief of General Staff, Volodymyr Zamana, misled the court when he stated that in February 2014 he called for launching an offensive in the Crimea. I read the reports published in the media that he allegedly spoke up at the Verkhovna Rada and warned about the danger. While in fact he was peeing in his pants and afraid to open his mouth. I intentionally checked the stenograph records of the Verkhovna Rada for that day and guess what - Zamana did not say a word about the Crimea, not a single word,” Turchynov said.
Turchynov also said that now, several years into the annexation, “many heroes” are starting to raise their voices claiming there were chances to keep the Crimea under Ukraine, but in 2014 they sat quietly and did not act.
“I understand that you can put anything on paper, but what really disturbs me is that these so-called heroes are lying not only to the media but also under oath in court,” the Defense Council’s chairperson said.
Answering the question why he did not come personally to the Crimea, Turchynov said that “Yanukovych and the Russians were waiting for me to do that.”
“Instead, I truthfully and diligently performed my duties as chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada and acting President,” Turchynov answered.