ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday claimed that the Russian fleet is “no longer capable” of operating in the western part of the Black Sea and that it is “gradually fleeing” from Crimea.

“As of now, we have not yet achieved full fire control over Crimea and its adjacent waters. But we will. It's just a matter of time,” Zelenskyy said in a video address to the Second Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform held in the Czech capital Prague.

Defining this as a “historic achievement,” Zelenskyy said that there are no “safe bases” or fully reliable logistical routes for the Russian military in Crimea and the parts of the Black Sea and Azov coast under Russian control.

Zelenskyy further said that Kyiv is observing growing pro-Ukrainian sentiments in Crimea, claiming “Russia's weakness is becoming louder than the fear of the occupied people.”

“Our current task is to maintain and increase pressure on the occupier. My simple call to you is: don't stop halfway,” Zelenskyy said.

Russian authorities have not yet commented on Zelenskyy’s claims.