Collaborators in Crimea Plan Their Escape: When to Expect the Kerch Bridge to Fall.

Mood Across Occupied Crimea

According to Novyny.live: Across the temporarily occupied Crimean peninsula, public sentiment is far from uniform. While some residents eagerly await liberation, others fear a potential offensive by Ukraine’s Defense Forces. This growing anxiety is especially pronounced among collaborators, who are closely monitoring developments and weighing the possibility of fleeing Crimea.

The Situation Among Collaborators

Refat Chubarov, head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, estimates that roughly one million people in Crimea could be considered collaborators. That staggering figure only heightens the fears of those who backed the occupation regime. As Chubarov notes,

“Some people directly tell us: 'Do everything so there is no disappointment'”

Collaborators are now openly debating whether they will be forced to leave Crimea. They are waiting for clearer signals that the military situation is shifting.

“It could be the demolition of the Kerch Bridge or its heavy destruction,”

It is worth recalling that Russia’s occupation of Crimea began in 2014, and tensions have remained high ever since. Additionally, the Crimean Tatar flag is celebrated on June 26 each year — a date that could further galvanize national identity among Crimean Tatars during this turbulent period.

The situation in Crimea continues to be complex, with the local population deeply divided over what the future holds. The rising unease among collaborators — those who actively supported the occupation — points to a potential shift in the region’s mood. The interplay between hope for change and fear of its consequences will likely shape the next phase of events in Crimea.