Moscow has accused the U.S. and allies of Ukraine of preparing strikes on Crimea, warning of retaliation. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova highlighted the repeated attacks on the Crimean Bridge, a symbol of Russian occupation and a key transport link for Moscow’s troops. Ukraine has also increased its attacks on Russian naval assets in the Black Sea region, including strikes on vessels and infrastructure belonging to the Black Sea Fleet.
Zakharova mentioned the reported delivery of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, which have a longer range than previous models. These missiles could potentially put hundreds of Russian military facilities in Crimea within range. She also noted reports that Kyiv was set to receive F-16 aircraft, which could be used in operations against the Crimean Bridge. Zakharova warned Washington, London, and Brussels that any aggressive actions against Crimea would meet retaliation, without specifying further.
In response to these warnings, the Russian defense ministry claimed to have shot down four ATACMS missiles over the Crimean Peninsula. They stated that a total of 15 missiles had been downed in recent weeks. Russia has a history of claiming to have downed Ukrainian missiles and drones without evidence of damage, although subsequent reports may reveal actual strikes on military targets or infrastructure. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in military actions and threats.
Since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have remained high, with sporadic outbreaks of violence. The Crimean Bridge, linking the Russian mainland with the peninsula, is a focal point of this conflict, as it represents Russian control over the region. Attacks on the bridge threaten Moscow’s ability to transport troops and equipment to the frontline, impacting its war effort. Ukraine’s increased targeting of Russian naval assets in the Black Sea further exacerbates the situation.
The delivery of advanced weapons systems, such as ATACMS missiles and F-16 aircraft, to Ukraine by Western allies has raised concerns in Moscow about potential attacks on Crimea. The Russian government has issued warnings to the U.S., UK, and EU against any aggressive actions in the region, pledging retaliation in response. As both sides continue to engage in military actions and threats, the conflict shows no signs of de-escalating. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Crimea.
