Head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Refat Chubarov believes that the behavior of the Russian invaders in Crimea may indicate their preparation for the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) to further liberate Kherson region and the peninsula.

"Given that in the north of Crimea... more fortifications are being built, we can talk about the fact that the occupiers are preparing for the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in order to further liberate Kherson region and Crimea as well," he said on the air of the UA together national telethon on Tuesday.

At the same time, Chubarov believes the Crimean bridge is "a top-priority object for destruction."

"Practically all military experts agree on the same opinion, and this is absolutely in line with our vision that in order to liberate Crimea, it will be necessary to pay attention to several factors or mechanisms through which Russia controls Crimea. Among them are the Crimea Bridge, the warships of the Black Sea fleet of Russia and the corridor connecting the occupied Crimea through the occupied parts of Kherson and Zaporizhia regions, in fact, with the territory of Russia. As soon as there is enough long-range artillery and other types of weapons, the Crimean bridge should be destroyed as one of the first objects," he said.

Speaking about the mood of the local residents of Crimea, Chubarov said "this illusion that Crimea is a fortress, and no one will encroach on it, people no longer have such an illusion." Nevertheless, according to him, the occupying authorities are trying to create an impression about this: "There are a lot of propaganda materials, some events, including in schools, [there is] the militarization of all aspects of life." On the other hand, as the head of the Mejlis said, repressions are intensifying on the peninsula.