Ukrainian military officials have indicated that they are enhancing their capabilities for possible amphibious operations in Crimea, prompting Russian forces to bolster defenses on the peninsula. Dmitry Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Naval Forces, shared these insights in an interview with the Kyiv Independent.
Pletenchuk emphasized a military adage: a territory is not considered liberated until ground troops set foot on it. In the context of naval operations, this responsibility falls to the marine infantry, which is currently training for amphibious assaults.
He noted, “The enemy views this as a real threat. Russian forces are fortifying areas in Crimea that are vulnerable to amphibious landings, as they consider this scenario quite plausible.” The spokesperson elaborated that conducting amphibious operations is inherently complex and typically occurs as part of a larger offensive strategy.
Pletenchuk stated, “If necessary, we will certainly carry out any operation required for the liberation of Ukrainian Crimea.” He likened a potential landing in Crimea to the Omaha Beach operation during World War II, highlighting the challenges Ukrainian forces would face, including fortified and mined shorelines, machine gun nests, and enemy air support.
In related developments, the Chonhar Bridge, a critical transport route to Crimea, has been targeted in a series of drone strikes. The first strike occurred on June 7, leading to partial restoration of traffic in a reversible format. However, following a subsequent drone attack on June 9, all transport across the bridge was halted, prompting the occupying administration to suggest alternative routes through Armyansk and Perekop.
The Center for Countering Disinformation of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council reported that these drone strikes have effectively rendered the Chonhar Bridge inoperable. Additionally, on June 10, access to the bridge connecting Henichesk and the Arabat Spit in the occupied part of Kherson was restricted, marking another significant disruption in transport following the attacks on the Chonhar Bridge.
Ukrainian military officials are preparing for potential amphibious operations in Crimea, prompting Russian forces to strengthen defenses. Recent drone strikes have also targeted critical transport routes to the peninsula, further complicating logistics for occupying forces.
Source: RBK-Ukraine