National Interest | David Kirichenko
Ukraine's intensified campaign in Crimea is strategically degrading Russia's military infrastructure and forcing Moscow to reallocate critical air defense resources, creating significant leverage for Kyiv. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has systematically targeted Russian assets, including the Kerch Bridge, naval vessels, and air defense systems like S-300 and Buk, significantly damaging approximately 30 percent of Russia's Black Sea Fleet by early 2026. Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) and specialized drone units are employing mid-range strikes and rapidly adaptable drone technology to open gaps in Russian defenses, making the peninsula increasingly untenable as a secure rear base. This sustained pressure extends to Russian logistics routes and even distant regions like Leningrad Oblast, demonstrating Ukraine's ability to project power deep into Russian territory. The strategy aims not for immediate collapse but for a steady erosion of Russian defensive architecture, compelling the Kremlin to choose between defending Crimea or its homeland, thereby strengthening Ukraine's position in future peace negotiations.
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