Crimea: How Ukraine is turning the occupied peninsula into a trap for Russian air defense

The temporarily occupied Crimean peninsula is becoming a strategic target for Ukrainian military formations, which, through precise drone attacks, are destroying the air defense systems of Russian occupation forces.

The recent weeks demonstrate increasing effectiveness of Ukrainian attacks, which successfully hit key military targets in the region. A notable example are the recent strikes on infrastructure sites in Sochi and Adler, where oil bases of "Kubanefteprodukt" and "Lukoil-Yugnefteprodukt" were affected.

Particularly indicative is the failure of the Russian air defense system, represented by the 1721st anti-aircraft missile regiment, which has modern S-350 and "Buk-M3" complexes. Despite claims of ultra-modern weaponry, these systems proved unable to intercept small Ukrainian drones.

The analysis by military experts from "Information Resistance" reveals a deepening problem in the defensive strategy of occupation forces. Each month, Russia loses between 25 and 35 air defense complexes, with about one-third of the losses concentrated in Crimea.

The territory of 26,000 square kilometers includes the 31st Air Defense Division with three main regiments: the 12th (based in Yevpatoriya and Sevastopol), the 18th (in Dzhankoy, Feodosia, and Tarkhankut), and the 3rd Radio-Technical Regiment. A key weakness is reliance on outdated 92N2E sectoral radars, which cannot effectively detect small targets.

Ukrainian military experts emphasize that the peninsula is a closed territory with predetermined defensive positions. Unlike the well-protected Israel, Russian defense relies on morally outdated technologies with low effectiveness.

Strategic objects in Crimea include transport hubs, drone launch pads, ballistic missile installations, and reconnaissance means. Each successful strike further weakens the occupation forces.

The Moscow command is aware of the critical risk of potential air defense destruction. Complete compromising of air defense systems would mean a direct threat of fighter air attacks, which represents a nightmarish scenario for occupation forces.

Experts define the situation as a systematic exhaustion of Russian defensive capabilities. Crimea is becoming the second most important air defense zone after the Moscow region, but with extremely vulnerable infrastructure.

The conclusion is categorical: Ukrainian drones are achieving a strategic goal – consistently destroying air cover over occupied territories. The peninsula is no longer a secure rear but is turning into an increasingly expanding military trap for Russian forces.