Ministry of Defence: Umerov did not name date of de-occupation of Crimea, Bild misinterpreted minister’s words

German media outlet Bild distorted Defence Minister Umerov’s words about the timing of the de-occupation of Crimea by Ukrainian defenders.
According to Censor.NET, this was stated in a comment to Hromadske by the spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, Illarion Pavlyuk, who was present at the interview.
The media outlet quoted Umerov as saying that Crimea could be liberated next year. Umerov allegedly stated that he was "one hundred per cent sure of this".
In fact, the minister said: "Crimea will be liberated - 100%. This is our strategic goal".
But Umerov did not say that Crimea would be liberated in 2024. The journalist asked this question several times, but the minister avoided making any precise predictions with dates, the Ministry of Defence press service assured.
Earlier, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said in an interview with Bild that Ukrainians of conscription age living outside the country would be invited to report to the Armed Forces recruitment centres. If they do not come, they will face sanctions.
However, the Ministry of Defence later said that Bildhad shifted its focus. The minister generally spoke to journalists about recruitment and the need to convey to Ukrainians abroad how important it is for them to join the army. There was no discussion of mechanisms for recruiting to the Armed Forces from abroad on the agenda.