Ukrainian forces set stage for Crimea liberation - military expert

He shared the information on Espreso TV.

"Crimea has become a pain point for the Russian forces, who initially expected that its capture would provide an advantage, but it turned out to be the opposite. Crimea has two entrances to the north: Chonhar and Perekop, and one entrance to the east - the Kerch Strait, which is a powerful artery that is much easier to cut off. This is what the Ukrainian Defense Forces have exploited, destroying it both at the entrance and at the exit," noted Lakiichuk.

According to the military expert, the strikes on the Crimean Bridge and the Kerch ferry crossing were not just painful - they were devastating. The Ukrainian Defense Forces are carrying out a so-called shaping operation on the Crimean Peninsula. While it is currently unpopular to discuss the military prospects of Crimea’s liberation, the Ukrainian army is doing everything possible, not only to weaken Russians on the southern front but also, under the right conditions, to begin its liberation.

"Through the firepower exerted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Crimea, it has become a 'suitcase without a handle' to Russia. The Russians are forced to supply the forces on the peninsula through risky routes along the front line," added Lakiichuk.

• On December 31, for the first time in history, the HUR Group 13 special forces successfully downed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter using a Magura V5 maritime strike drone.