Russia has not abandoned its intentions to cut Ukraine off from the sea, Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk says. His statements come amid the US administration's claims that Moscow wants to end the war and seeks peace, UkrInform reports.
Last week, Russia intensified its attacks on Odesa, Ukraine's largest port, and the important bridge in the settlement of Maiaky in Odesa Oblast. The launches of Shahed drones and a ballistic missile were conducted from occupied Crimea. The strikes could block up to 60% of Ukraine's fuel imports, leading to a rapid gasoline shortage and price increases.
“Through the mouth of the Russian dictator, these plans are openly stated — to cut Ukraine off from the sea. For us, the sea accounts for 90% of export-import operations. It is critically important,” Pletenchuk emphasized.
The sea is Ukraine’s economic artery
According to the Ukrainian spokesperson, this is why the Ukrainian Navy focuses on maintaining the maritime corridor's functionality despite ongoing attacks by Russian forces.
The greatest current threats are ballistic missile strikes from temporarily occupied Crimea, as well as Shahed drone attacks from the sea, which Ukrainian forces have to repel daily.
Ukraine has effectively only one system capable of countering these ballistic threats — the Patriot missile system.
Last week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US currently produces around 55-60 Patriot missiles per year, which is far from sufficient given the scale of Russian attacks. Ukraine purchases these missiles through the PURL system with funding from NATO allies, but its needs far exceed the available supply.
Ukraine’s allies begin to “hold back” air defense missiles amid Russia’s drone attacks, says Zelenskyy
Strikes on Russian air defenses and aviation — a logical response
Commenting on Ukrainian strikes on Russian air defense systems and aircraft in Crimea, the Navy spokesperson emphasized that it is a consistent and logical tactic.
“First, they destroyed surveillance systems such as radar stations. Then, they targeted objectives deeper behind enemy lines, primarily aircraft. Our main problem now is airspace,” he explained.
Pletenchuk added that the Russian fleet’s maneuvering options are limited: amphibious operations are possible only if Russia succeeds on land, which the enemy currently has not achieved.
