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The case, brought by Ukraine in 2016, challenges Russia's actions in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Kerch Strait since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Ukraine's defense intelligence says maritime drones, particularly Magura V5, provide a strategic advantage in the Black Sea against Russia's larger fleet. With an 800 km range, these drones can reach well into the Azov Sea, yet the agency is cautious about their deployment.
Russia has moved its Kalibr-carriers out of the Black Sea, attempting to get out of the reach of Ukraine's naval drones. They can run but they can't hide.
The downing of Russia's A-50 radar and command aircraft on 14 January resulted in the loss of an air force colonel and junior officers who were on board, per Ukraine's Air Force spokesman.
Russian tactical aviation presence over the Sea of Azov has reportedly dropped to unprecedented low levels after Ukrainian strikes eliminated an A-50 radar plane and damaged an Il-22 aircraft, degrading Russian air capabilities, ISW says.
The Ukrainian counteroffensive is in full swing. Tens of kilometers of Russian multilayered defense lines, backed by heavy artillery, armored vehicles, and combat aircraft, are standing in the way. Whether it is possible to break through this defense without air superiority is a question that Ukraine’s General Staff is now trying to answer.