Ukraine Attempts to "Blockade Crimea," Russia: Crimea is Minimizing Negative Impact

[Global Times Special Correspondent in Russia, Xiao Xinxin] "Ukraine is strengthening drone attack operations to 'blockade' Crimea." The British "Times" website reported on the 21st that Ukraine is using drone strikes against Russian oil infrastructure located on both sides of the Kerch Strait, further tightening its grip on Crimea and forcing the Russian-controlled Crimean Peninsula to stop fuel sales. RBC-Ukraine reported on the 22nd that Ukraine is systematically targeting Russian oil, transportation, and other facilities in Crimea to cut off Crimea's connection with the Russian mainland. The Russian side is also launching offensives. According to the BBC on the 22nd, the Russian military has intensified its offensive in key areas of eastern Ukraine, such as Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region, and is attempting to encircle the area.

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on social media on the 21st that the Ukrainian military conducted long-range strikes on Russian military logistics, the oil industry, and air defense systems on the evening of the 20th. Facilities on both sides of the Crimean Bridge were attacked by the Ukrainian military, including maritime logistics facilities in the Krasnodar Krai used for transporting oil, as well as oil depots in the Russian-controlled city of Kerch. The head of the Crimean regional administration appointed by Russia, Aksyonov, stated on social media on the 21st that Crimea was attacked by Ukrainian drones. Starting from 9 a.m. that day, all gas stations in Crimea will suspend fuel sales to individuals and legal entities, with fuel supply limited to government agencies responsible for essential services and security. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on the 22nd that from the evening of the 21st to the morning of the 22nd, Russian air defense systems intercepted and shot down 301 Ukrainian drones over multiple locations, including Moscow Oblast and Crimea, as well as over the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported missile and drone attacks from Russia within its territory.

The American website "Business Insider" reported on the 22nd that Ukraine is attempting to "blockade" Crimea with new types of drones, and a series of fuel restrictions on the Crimean Peninsula indicate that this operation is achieving results. The peninsula is a key stronghold for Russian military logistics support to the southern Ukrainian regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. The commander of Ukraine's unmanned systems forces, Brovchyi, stated on the 21st that Russia can no longer return to the days of controlling Crimea. He also mentioned that drone strikes are part of an organized operation to besiege Crimea, making it difficult for any Russian troops to remain in Crimea. Reports suggest that if Ukraine successfully blockades Crimea, it will be challenging for Russia to maintain logistical support to its troops in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

RBC-Ukraine analyzed on the 22nd that the actions of the Ukrainian military aim to prevent Russia from using Crimea as a "springboard" for launching a new round of offensives. The Ukrainian military is intensifying systematic strikes on Russian supply routes to Crimea. Recently, large-scale drone attacks by the Ukrainian military have also damaged two bridges connecting Crimea in the Kherson region.

According to TASS on the 22nd, Russian presidential press secretary Peskov stated that Crimea is doing everything possible to minimize the negative impact of the barbaric actions of the Kyiv regime. The leadership in Crimea is informing the public about the situation, relevant mechanisms are in place, and efforts are being made to ensure fuel supply for the public.

On the other hand, the Russian military is launching a fierce attack in the Donetsk region. The BBC reported that Russian troops have entered Konstantinovka. Ukrainian soldiers stated that the entire city is effectively in a "gray zone," not fully controlled by either side. This area is a key point leading to Ukraine's main logistics base in Kramatorsk and other locations. If this area falls, Russian troops will be able to advance towards the last strongholds of Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, and further approach complete control of the Donbas region. The Russian side claims that its military is rapidly advancing southwest of Konstantinovka and has encircled Ukrainian forces. The Ukrainian side, however, claims that "the situation is still under control."     

Russian media such as "Military Observer" analyze that both Russia and Ukraine are currently intensifying mutual drone attacks and frontline offensives in an effort to achieve further breakthroughs. While the frontline battles are at a stalemate, both sides are also focusing on long-range drone strikes against each other's energy facilities, attempting to deplete each other's long-term combat capabilities. At present, ending the conflict through negotiations still seems distant.