The Ukrainian Navy reports that Russia is significantly ramping up efforts to strengthen air defense systems on the temporarily occupied Crimean Peninsula, while other strategically important directions remain less defended and more vulnerable
According to Ukrainian Navy representative Colonel Dmytro Pletenchuk, who appeared live on the Ukrainian national telethon and shared data from Radio Liberty, the situation raises serious concerns regarding the balance of power on both the maritime and land fronts. Details: According to him, the concentration of air defense means on the temporarily occupied Crimean Peninsula is much higher than in most regions within the Russian Federation. This is explained by the symbolic importance of Crimea for the Russian leadership, as well as its strategic and logistical significance. At the same time, Dmytro Pletenchuk states that international sanctions still hinder the import of necessary microelectronics and components, significantly limiting Russia’s capabilities to upgrade and replace losses in air defense systems. Military comment: “Crimea is of symbolic and logistical value for Russia. The density of air defense systems on the peninsula currently exceeds the levels of many regions within Russia. Due to sanctions, it is difficult for Russia to replenish stocks and repair equipment because of shortages of microelectronics and parts. This creates additional challenges for the enemy." More details: Pletenchuk separately emphasized that since the beginning of 2024, Ukrainian forces have inflicted significant losses on Russian air defense systems, destroying the personnel at the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet and other key Russian military facilities on the peninsula. However, despite these losses, Russian troops continue to launch drones from the territory of Crimea. According to the officer, these are mobile units that are easy to move and change locations, but the main operations in both cases are conducted from designated, verified sites. He noted that Ukrainian military analysts are reviewing the gathered information and preparing appropriate protocols regarding the targets, scope, and means of strike application. "It is obvious that these documents will detail all aspects—from tactics to strategic goals—but it is already clear that missile and air defense on Crimea has become significantly more protected compared to other regions of Russia,” Pletenchuk added. As a reminder, since 2022, following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Crimea has become one of the main targets of Ukrainian strikes—by drones and missiles. Most of these hits are not officially confirmed by Russian military authorities, as Moscow tends to deny significant losses on the peninsula despite video reports and verification from independent sources. At the same time, leaders of the Crimean Tatar community, including Mejlis leader Refat Chubarov, have urged Crimean residents to be more cautious and careful about their safety, recommending that, if necessary, they relocate further away from potential Ukrainian strike targets and affected Russian military facilities.