Vladimir Putin is concerned about potential loss of control over Crimea as Ukraine plans to launch new strikes on the annexed peninsula in the Black Sea.
Recent activities in the Russian high command depict emergency preparedness for countering an anticipated sudden invasion by the Ukrainian armed forces in Crimea. Referred to as “Crimean Alert,” the operation involved strategic planning sessions with commanders and senior reservists.
The deterioration of critical access routes such as road and rail bridges has impacted Russian presence in Crimea, a region considered a valuable acquisition from Ukraine. A Western diplomatic source suggested that Putin’s apprehension about potential loss of Crimea is evident, describing it as a significant threat to his leadership.
Participant reservist Colonel Viktor Murakhovsky disclosed details of a war game scenario that included an unconventional Ukrainian landing operation utilizing drones, high-precision weapons, and fast boats. Reports from the partisan group ATESH indicated evacuation orders for valuable documents and equipment from occupation administrations in the ports of Kerch and Feodosia, heightening Russian concerns.
An exodus of pro-Putin officials to Russia has commenced, as per information provided by the resistance group. With dwindling fuel supplies in Crimea, officials have reportedly cited sudden illnesses, taken health leaves, and swiftly departed for the Krasnodar region.
The resistance group ATESH warned that collaborators in Crimea are anticipating repercussions for their actions, with the belief that Russian air defense may not be sufficient to protect them. Recent incidents, including the destruction of power plants and military airfields in Crimea by Ukraine, have escalated tensions between the two nations.
Russia’s apprehension of a potential sabotage attempt on the Crimean Bridge, valued at £3 billion, raises concerns about restricted access to the popular summer destination, resulting in a decline in tourist visits. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko advised against Russian vacations amid heightened security risks, emphasizing individual decision-making regarding travel choices.
Ukraine observed a day of mourning for civilians killed in a missile strike by Putin in Kyiv, with the death toll rising to 30 as more bodies were recovered from the rubble overnight. Additional civilian casualties were reported in Sumy region following a Russian attack on a residential area.
President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia’s continued aggression, highlighting the targeting of civilian infrastructure and emphasizing the need for an end to the conflict. Incidents of violence, including the targeting of a hospital in Kherson and energy facilities in Belgorod, further escalate tensions between the two nations.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to intensify, with both sides engaged in military actions that have resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.