Russia redirecting air defenses to Crimea, weakening protection elsewhere – military

This was stated by Colonel Dmytro Pletenchuk, Spokesperson for the Ukrainian Naval Forces, according to Ukrinform with reference to

This was stated by Colonel Dmytro Pletenchuk, Spokesperson for the Ukrainian Naval Forces, according to Ukrinform with reference to Radio Liberty.

“Crimea holds both symbolic and logistical value for Russia. The density of air defense systems on the peninsula is higher than in many regions of the Russian Federation itself. Due to sanctions and a shortage of microelectronics, Russia has limited capacity to replenish its losses,” Pletenchuk noted.

He added that since the beginning of last year, Ukrainian Defense Forces have destroyed a significant portion of Russia’s air defense assets, including the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet and other facilities.

Despite these losses, Russia continues to launch drones from Crimea, using mobile systems that can be relocated. These are typically stationed at pre-verified locations.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, overnight on April 29, Ukrainian drones damaged an air defense radar station in Feodosia district of temporarily occupied Crimea.