Russia is gradually losing control over occupied Crimea - military expert

He expressed his opinion on Espreso TV.

"Russia is losing its military presence in Crimea, although it is happening slowly. This is primarily due to Ukraine's Defense Forces destroying Russian military infrastructure in Crimea. When Russia is forced to relocate missile launchers closer to Novorossiysk, it signifies a reduction in military presence. 

Similarly, the loss of air defense and missile defense capabilities in Crimea weakens the combat readiness of the Russian troops on the peninsula. Destruction of Russian ammunition depots and equipment in Crimea further undermines their military strength," expert stated.

Selezniov emphasized the strategic importance of destroying the Crimean bridge.

"The Defense Forces have repeatedly stated that 2024 will be a year of special attention to occupied Crimea. The Russian forces must feel that Crimea is not their land but Ukrainian. This land will burn under the feet of Russians until the last Russian soldier leaves Crimea. And they should hurry, because Maliuk and Budanov have repeatedly stated that the structure of the Crimean bridge is redundant and should be destroyed. So, while they have the opportunity, they can leave our Crimea," he added.

• On Monday, July 1, Ukraine's Air Force struck a Russian ammunition depot in Crimea.

• Military expert Serhiy Zgurets believes that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are conducting systematic work to destroy Russian air defense in the temporarily occupied Crimea.