Occupants reinforce Crimea's defense with air defense systems

The Russian army is concentrating air defense systems in Crimea, but Ukrainian troops are destroying these systems. Due to sanctions and a shortage of microelectronics, Russia has limited opportunities to restore them.

This was reported by the spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, Colonel Dmytro Pletenchuk.

According to Pletenchuk, Crimea is more densely saturated with air defense systems than in many other areas, including the territory of the Russian Federation, in order to maintain control over the peninsula. At the same time, Ukrainian forces regularly destroy these installations.

According to the spokesperson, Crimea has become the main target for Russian air defense because of its symbolic and logistical importance. Since the beginning of 2024, the Ukrainian military has eliminated a significant part of Russian air defense systems, including the Black Sea Fleet headquarters.

Pletenchuk emphasized that due to sanctions and a lack of microelectronics, the enemy has limited resources to restore them. Despite the losses, Russia continues to use Crimea to launch drones. The main launching points are Cape Chauda, Pivkivka and the Kerch region. As the spokesperson explained, these are mobile units that can be moved, but the occupiers usually operate from proven positions.

Recently, European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius warned that the West risks repeating strategic mistakes similar to those that led to World War II if it continues to hesitate in responding to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. He particularly emphasized the topic of Crimea, comparing the tacit recognition of its annexation to the 1938 compromise when European leaders allowed Hitler to seize the Sudetenland, a move Kubilius considers analogous to the fatal concession made by British Prime Minister Chamberlain.

Meanwhile, Crimea has canceled its May 9 parade for the first time, citing a security threat after a Ukrainian naval drone shot down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet. This, according to Ukrainian intelligence, is the first time in history that a drone from the sea has shot down an aircraft. Ukraine has officially stated that it does not guarantee the safety of foreign guests at the events of the occupation authorities. The cost of the downed plane was estimated at $50 million.

Анна Літман