Ukraine shifts Crimea strategy to choke Russian supply lines Russian oil depot on fire following a UAV strike on the occupied city of Kerch, Crimea, June 21, 2026 Ukraine has unveiled a broader strategy to weaken Russia's grip on occupied Crimea, focusing on cutting military supply routes rather than destroying the Kerch Bridge. The plan, outlined by Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, centres on isolating the peninsula by targeting fuel shipments, logistics hubs and vessels supporting Russian military operations. Logistics Become the New Battlefield Speaking in an interview with British journalist Caolan Robertson, Brovdi said Ukrainian forces are deliberately concentrating on disrupting the network that keeps Russian troops supplied in Crimea. He argued that fuel, ammunition, personnel and military equipment flowing into the occupied peninsula are now the primary targets. "There is no fuel in Crimea, and there will be none there," he said, describing the campaign as a systematic effort to make Russia's military presence increasingly difficult to sustain. Brovdi also claimed Ukraine is intentionally avoiding attacks on the Crimean Bridge, instead allowing it to remain open while striking the wider logistics system feeding Russian forces. Remote Campaign Intensifies According to the commander, the objective is to isolate Crimea without launching a costly ground offensive or risking Ukrainian soldiers' lives. He said Ukraine's growing drone capabilities are allowing it to attack supply routes remotely, creating what he described as the conditions for the peninsula's effective isolation. The campaign also extends to Russian fuel tankers. Brovdi said Ukrainian forces would continue targeting vessels transporting fuel to Crimea as part of the wider effort to erode Moscow's logistical capacity. Wave of Strikes Builds Pressure Ukraine says the maritime campaign has intensified sharply in recent days. During operations between 6 and 11 July, Brovdi claimed Ukrainian forces struck 76 Russian vessels. Ukraine's General Staff has separately reported attacks on tankers, tugboats, bulk carriers and other ships allegedly used for military logistics and sanctions evasion. Additional strikes were also reported on oil infrastructure and ammunition depots linked to Russian operations in the Sea of Azov. If sustained, the strategy could increase pressure on Russian forces in southern Ukraine by disrupting the flow of fuel and supplies while avoiding the risks of a direct assault on heavily defended positions in occupied Crimea. Ukraine outlines broader strategy for weakening Russia's grip on Crimea
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