"Good target": military expert Zgurets on MiG-31K deployment to Crimea

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"I've seen satellite images that show the deployment of MiGs to Crimean airports, I don't know how old these images are, but I think Russia is taking a big risk by redeploying MiG-31s to Crimea. I think it will be a good target and prey for our strike systems, from unmanned systems to guided cruise missiles," he said.

Zgurets added that he believes this is a systemic mistake by Russia and that this opportunity should be used promptly to significantly reduce the number of Russia’s Kinzhal missile carriers.

"And even if they perform regular patrols over the Black Sea, it also does not seem rational, because the number of these aircraft is limited and their resource is limited, if they are constantly on duty, it will really affect the reduction of the potential and capabilities of these aircraft," the analyst said.

In addition, he noted that this is a short-term propaganda move by Russia to put pressure on the West once again in the face of such new threats.

"From the point of view of military strategy, I think they will pull them back from Crimea soon enough and will not patrol the Black Sea, because it does not look absolutely rational," Zgurets said.

• On October 15, the Russian military installed special barriers at the entrance to Sevastopol Bay, where the main base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Crimea is located.