"To begin with, Russia needs to lose Crimea. By the way, many Western military strategists of high caliber have long been advising our military to start with Crimea. It is essential to sever Crimea from Russia. For Russia, and for [its illegitimate president Vladimir] Putin personally, this is something sacred. He traces his entire history from there; he derives his legacy from that place. I don’t know, perhaps he even considers himself a descendant of some Roman emperors," noted Ogryzko.
According to him, if Crimea falls for Putin, then "his image as a winner collapses."
"After all, he is a macho; he is a man who must win everywhere," emphasized Ogryzko.