Former NATO representative speculated about the conditions for the "return of Crimea" to Ukraine

In a conversation with the Observer, he expressed the opinion that for this it is necessary to wait until “Russia itself will fall apart”.

“Crimea can either become an independent state, friendly towards Ukraine, or return to Ukraine,” Tabakh said.

He added that "as long as Russia takes an aggressive posture, the situation is difficult and dangerous," noting that Europe and America communicate with Russia in "soft gloves."

In March, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Crimea will forever remain with Russia and the West, led by the United States, cannot change that.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed that the Crimea issue is closed for Russia.

Crimea became a Russian region after a referendum held there in March 2014, in which most residents voted in favor of reunification with Russia.