Ukrainian actions in Black Sea to undermine Russia's control over occupied Crimea – ISW
www.pravda.com.ua
Fri, 03 Jan 2025 05:02:20 +0200
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War ISW have observed that Ukraines enhanced offensive capabilities in the Black Sea, highlighted by the destruction of two Russian helicopters in Crimea, will pose challenges to Russias hold over the occupied peninsula.
Source ISW Details Defence Intelligence of Ukraine DIU has revealed fresh details about a 31 December naval drone operation that struck Russian Mi8 helicopters in the Black Sea as Ukrainian strikes continue to degrade Russian operations in occupied Crimea.
DIU noted on 2 January that a Ukrainian Magura V5 uncrewed surface vessel USV had destroyed two Russian Mi8 helicopters with missiles and damaged one in the Black Sea on 31 December.
Ukrainian intelligence initially reported that the drone strike had destroyed only one helicopter and damaged another.
Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, questioned Russian reports that the helicopters had eight crew members on board, though he noted that the loss of highly qualified helicopter crews was significant.
Pletenchuk also pointed out that Ukrainian strikes on occupied Crimea have disrupted Russian logistics in the region, targeting key infrastructure such as the railway on the illegally constructed Crimean Bridge and ferries transporting railway cars and fuel tanks.
Meanwhile, a Russian military blogger milblogger claimed that Russian warships were seeking refuge in bays and ports to evade Ukrainian naval strikes.
The blogger also added that Russian forces could only repel Ukrainian missileequipped naval drones with the assistance of jet and fighter aircraft.
Quote ISW assesses that increased Ukrainian offensive capabilities in the Black Sea will most likely threaten Russian control over occupied Crimea.
To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 2 January Ukraines decision to not renew its contract to transport Russian gas through Ukrainian territory will likely significantly impact Russian gas revenues despite Kremlin posturing to the contrary.
Gazprom is likely attempting to exploit the cessation of gas transits through Ukraine to create an artificial energy crisis to destabilise Moldova.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signalled that Ukraine will increase drone and missile strikes against Russia in 2025 as part of efforts to bring Russia to accept Ukraines demands for a just peace in future negotiations.
Russia intends to issue Russian licenses for the operation of all six of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plants ZNPP reactors by 2028 as part of Moscows longterm efforts to legitimise its illegal occupation of the plant and exploit Ukraines energy supplies.
Ukrainian forces conducted a missile strike in Kursk Oblast, reportedly against a Russian military command post.
Ukraines Main Military Intelligence Directorate GUR specified new details about the 31 December Ukrainian naval drone strike against Russian Mi8 helicopters in the Black Sea as Ukrainian strikes continue to degrade Russian operations in occupied Crimea.
Russian forces recently advanced near Siversk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove and Vuhledar and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
The Russian Ministry of Defence MoD continues to inadequately supply Russian military personnel with basic equipment and ammunition, forcing soldiers to provide their own materiel.
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