Russian-occupied Crimea has higher air defense density than many Russian regions — Ukrainian Navy

Colonel Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesman of the Ukrainian Naval Forces, stated this, as quoted by Suspilne.

"Crimea is a symbolic and logistical value for Russia. The density of air defense on the peninsula is higher than in many regions of the Russian Federation itself. Air defense is an artificial commodity. Due to sanctions and a shortage of microelectronics, the Russians have limited opportunities to replenish losses," he said.

Pletenchuk noted that since the beginning of 2024, Ukrainian military forces have destroyed a significant number of Russian air defense systems, along with the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet and other facilities. However, the enemy continues to launch drones from the peninsula.

"These are mobile units that can be moved, but mostly they use proven locations," the Navy spokesman explained.

At the same time, he added that the main platforms for the Russian troops to launch UAVs remain Cape Chauda, Pivkivka, and the Kerch area.

• On May 7, Eskender Bariiev, a member of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, reported that the Russians are constantly trying to increase personnel in occupied Crimea in order to further use the peninsula to attack Ukraine.