Strategically important Russian military targets in Crimea are fully within the reach of Ukrainian forces.
This was stated on air by the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk.
“Engagement with the enemy in Crimea is mutual and has been ongoing continuously since the beginning of the full-scale invasion,” Pletenchuk said.
He added that the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has already been struck, and such attacks are critically important for controlling military forces.
“This is a key element of military infrastructure, because communication equals command and control. It is effectively one of the main components of conducting a war. Even a temporary loss of control significantly affects the quality of mission execution,” the spokesperson noted.
According to Pletenchuk, Crimea is entirely within the reach of Ukrainian forces, although the Russian actively resists strikes.
“Technically, Crimea is fully within range. But one must account for the enemy’s countermeasures. The enemy has densely equipped this territory with air defense systems. Some strikes may succeed, some may not. But that doesn’t mean we are going to stop,” he said.
He emphasized that the most recent target struck was a communications hub of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, and civilian casualties were avoided.
“This time it was effectively Sevastopol. But we managed to avoid collateral damage, meaning civilians. These are our people, our territory. Yes, they are there and prepared to endure these disruptions, but we try to minimize harm — and we are succeeding,” he stressed.
Pletenchuk also mentioned the risks posed by mines in the Black Sea, which endanger not only Ukraine but also neighboring countries.
“The currents in the Black Sea are such that no one will remain unaffected. We are cooperating with our partners and hope that after the war they will participate in operations to clear mines from the Black Sea waters,” added the Navy spokesperson.
