The prominent representative of the Crimean Tatar people and one of the most well-known opponents of Russian occupation policies, Refat Chubarov, has issued an urgent appeal to Russian citizens currently present in the occupied territory of Crimea, calling for their immediate departure from the peninsula
His statement, published on Telegram, is of extraordinary importance in the context of upcoming events planned in the Crimean direction and also serves as a warning to foreign nationals who have unlawfully found themselves in the conflict zone. In his video address in Russian, Chubarov reminded that those who entered Crimea after February 27, 2014, that is, since the annexation of the peninsula by Russia, should understand that their presence there is illegal and potentially dangerous. He emphasized that the situation is currently worsening regarding the construction of the Kerch Bridge, which connects the occupied territory with Russia. This strategic facility may soon be destroyed as part of plans for the de-occupation of the peninsula, and as a result, Russians remaining there risk being trapped— in a so-called "pincer"— where it will be difficult or impossible for them to leave. Refat Chubarov issued a clear and unequivocal call — to urgently leave Crimea and return home, to Russia, because time in this operation is working against those who are unlawfully present. According to him, there is also another, even more important reason: the preparation for the future liberation of the peninsula. He stressed that by remaining in Crimea, Russians risk being used by Russian military personnel and generals as a "human shield," which would allow the Russian command to avoid accountability and save their own skins in case of active hostilities or liberation operations. "If you are still here in Crimea, do not delay your departure until tomorrow. You might not make it," Chubarov emphasized, adding that the timing of such decisions is critical. According to him, this appeal is not intended to protect Russians from immediate danger, but is a challenge to recognize the situation and respond quickly in the context of upcoming military actions and de-occupation. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the morning of June 3 became a tragic date in Ukraine's security history. The Security Service of Ukraine carried out a special operation, which had been prepared over several months, and for the third time struck the important Crimean Bridge. This time, the attack was underwater. According to investigators, an explosive device with a capacity of 1,100 kg in TNT equivalent significantly damaged the structure at the bottom level, complicating its operation and casting doubt on its future stability. The Security Service of Ukraine states that this explosion was another step in the complex effort to destroy strategically significant facilities controlled by Russia on the peninsula, aiming to weaken occupying forces and create favorable conditions for full de-occupation. Currently, Crimea is in a state of actual emergency and imminent destruction, with its future depending on further military and diplomatic actions by Ukraine. Thus, the situation resembles a high-stakes global game, requiring swift and decisive actions by those seeking the territory’s liberation, and calls for foreign citizens—including Russians—not to delay their departure. Chubarov warns: at a time when significant changes are underway at the front, staying in Crimea is a risk to your safety and life. Therefore, every Ukrainian, especially those in temporarily occupied regions, must clearly understand their plan of action and avoid delay in leaving dangerous areas. In this story, the strategy of rapid response and making the right choice in the most difficult conditions of the contemporary Ukrainian-Russian conflict plays a crucial role.