UK intelligence explains why Russia attacks Snake Island with risk to crews, aircraft

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense.

The ministry reminded that on December 5, the Ukrainian military, most likely with a surface-to-air missile, shot down a Russian Su-24M bomber over the northwestern part of the Black Sea near Snake Island. The two-person crew of the plane was likely lost.

British intelligence officials point out that Russia has been conducting high-risk crewed strike missions against the island since the summer. Thus, Russia is likely trying to show that it can conduct military operations in the Black Sea. This is important for the Russians, as Snake Island has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. 

"Both sides still suffer regular combat aircraft losses. Overall, air defenses continue to severely limit the effectiveness of tactical air operations," the statement reads.

• The spokesman for the Ukrainian South Volunteer Army, Serhiy Bratchuk, told Espreso that Russia is likely to try to attack Odesa region and Snake Island once again.