Ukrainian offensives in the Black Sea will undermine Russia's control over Crimea, according to ISW.
Ukrainian offensives in the Black Sea will undermine Russia's control over Crimea, ISW reports
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) note that the enhancement of Ukraine's offensive capabilities in the Black Sea poses a threat to Russian control over the occupied Crimea, especially following updated information regarding the destruction of two Russian helicopters in Crimea.
This was reported by ISW.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) of Ukraine provided new details about the strike by a Ukrainian naval drone on December 31 against Russian Mi-8 helicopters in the Black Sea, as Ukrainian strikes continue to weaken Russian operations in occupied Crimea.
On January 2, HUR reported that the Ukrainian military drone Magura V5 destroyed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters and damaged one in the Black Sea on December 31.
Previously, HUR indicated that the drone strike had only destroyed one helicopter and damaged another.
Ukrainian Navy Captain Dmitry Pletenchuk questioned Russian reports claiming there were eight crew members aboard the helicopters but emphasized that the loss of highly skilled helicopter crews is significant.
Pletenchuk also pointed out that Ukrainian strikes on occupied Crimea have deprived Russian forces of stable logistics in the area, particularly due to damage to the railway on the bridge over the Kerch Strait and ferries transporting railway cars and fuel tankers.
Meanwhile, a Russian so-called military blogger claimed that Russian warships are attempting to hide from Ukrainian Navy strikes in bays and ports, and that Russian forces can only repel Ukrainian military drones equipped with missiles using fighter and attack aircraft.
"According to ISW, the enhancement of Ukraine's offensive capabilities in the Black Sea is likely to threaten Russian control over occupied Crimea," the analysts concluded.
Key findings from ISW on January 2:
- Ukraine’s decision not to extend the contract for transporting Russian gas through Ukrainian territory will likely have a significant impact on Russian gas revenues, despite Kremlin claims to the contrary.
- Russian "Gazprom" is likely to attempt to use the cessation of gas transit through Ukraine to create an artificial energy crisis aimed at destabilizing Moldova.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that Ukraine will increase the number of drone and missile strikes against Russia in 2025 as part of efforts to compel Russia to accept Ukraine's demands for a "just peace" in upcoming negotiations.
- Russia intends to issue Russian licenses for the operation of all six reactors of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by 2028 as part of Moscow's long-term efforts to legitimize the illegal occupation of the plant and the use of Ukrainian energy resources.
- Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian military command post in the Kursk region.
- HUR clarified new details about the strike by a Ukrainian naval drone on December 31 against Russian Mi-8 helicopters in the Black Sea, as Ukrainian strikes continue to weaken Russian operations in occupied Crimea.
- Recently, Russian troops have advanced near Severodonetsk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhovo, Ugledar, and in the west of the Zaporizhia region.
- The Russian Ministry of Defense continues to inadequately supply Russian servicemen with essential gear and ammunition, forcing soldiers to provide for themselves.