Russia is using occupied Crimea as a platform for launching Iskander-M missiles, according to Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk.
“Russia is using temporarily occupied Crimea as a launchpad for Iskander-M missiles. This way, they try to shorten the range and flight time to reduce response time due to the proximity. They move and conceal ballistic and tactical missile systems across Crimea, making it difficult to track their locations and launch points, since these are mobile platforms. Unfortunately, until this territory is liberated, it will continue to be used for such purposes,” Pletenchuk said during a TV broadcast.
He also noted that Russian forces periodically launch Oniks missiles from Crimea.
“Bastion coastal defense systems with Oniks missiles are still stationed there. These were used quite frequently against Ukrainian territory in the past, and one such launch has been recorded this year,” he added.
Pletenchuk also stated that Russian tactical aviation feels relatively safe in Crimea.
“Tactical aircraft from Crimean airfields are periodically used for strikes. In the airspace over the Black Sea, they feel fairly secure. When their reconnaissance aircraft or drones approach our shores, we destroy them,” he said.
The Ukrainian Navy also reported that Russia currently has one Kalibr cruise missile carrier deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, while no enemy ships are present in the Black Sea or the Sea of Azov.
