Ukraine breaches Russian air defenses to enable strikes on Crimean Bridge - military expert

Pavlo Lakiychuk, captain first rank of the Ukrainian Navy reserve and head of security programs at the Center for Globalization Strategy XXI, expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"The Defense Forces of Ukraine have not yet reached the Crimean Bridge. However, it is clear they are getting closer. Every time Ukrainian strike systems hit Russian airfields in occupied Crimea — Belbek, Novofedorivka, Saky, Dzhankoi — as well as launch sites in Tarkhankut and Fiolent, it means our Defense Forces are breaking through another corridor in Russia’s air defense in Crimea," Lakiychuk explained.

The expert emphasized that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are constantly working to destroy Russian air defenses in temporarily occupied Crimea. Striking these Russian targets will enable attacks deeper into the peninsula’s territory.

"This is a local operation. When these targets are hit, it means that within a week, or possibly sooner, Ukrainian drones and missiles will fly much further," he concluded.

• On June 3, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) executed a new, unique special operation by striking the Crimean Bridge underwater for the third time, leaving the vital facility in an emergency condition.