One small Ukrainian peninsula still gives Russia strategic edge in Black Sea. Here’s why

The Kinburn Spit, occupied in 2022, holds particular strategic importance for Russia. This foothold allows Russian forces to restrict maritime access to the Black Sea from the port cities of Mykolaiv, according to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, UNIAN reports.

Previously, the Southern Territorial Defense Forces reported that, following a powerful strike, Ukrainian forces compelled Russian troops to withdraw from certain positions on the Kinburn Spit. They also said that a Ukrainian flag was raised in the area. 

However, Russian occupation forces have not yet withdrawn from the spit. Ukrainian forces continue to strike enemy logistical routes in the area. 

Control remains contested

"From a strategic standpoint, the Kinburn Spit has great importance to the Russians. By maintaining a presence there, they effectively block access to the Black Sea from Mykolaiv’s seaports," said Pletenchuk.

He added that the Russians "clearly have no intention" of abandoning the area. The Kinburn Spit is also used as a launch point for strikes on the southern part of Mykolaiv Oblast.

According to Pletenchuk, Ukrainian forces periodically conduct operations on the spit, eliminating enemy personnel in certain areas before returning to their main positions.

"This is an ongoing, continuous process," he said. 

After the liberation of the right-bank Kherson Oblast in the fall of 2022, the military said that a certain operation to liberate Kinburn might take place. However, following the unsuccessful operation in Krynky on the left bank of the Kherson Oblast, this did not happen.