Russia fortifies Crimea amid fears of Ukrainian amphibious assault, says Navy

Kyiv – Russia is bolstering its defenses in Crimea, anticipating a possible amphibious landing operation by Ukrainian forces, according to a statement from the Ukrainian Navy. Dmytro Pletenčiukas, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, told the Kyiv Independent that the enemy views such a scenario as a genuine threat, leading to reinforced defensive positions in vulnerable areas of the peninsula.

Pletenčiukas described amphibious operations as highly complex, typically executed as part of broader offensive campaigns. He affirmed Ukraine's readiness to conduct any necessary operation to liberate Crimea. He drew a parallel between a potential Ukrainian landing and the Allied landings on Omaha Beach during World War II, noting the significant challenges Ukrainian troops would face, including fortified defenses, mined coastlines, and Russian air support.

Recent events have underscored the strategic importance of Crimea's access routes. The Chongar bridge, a key link to the peninsula, has been targeted multiple times. It sustained damage on June 7, with partial traffic resuming later. However, further drone attacks on June 9 led to a complete halt in traffic, prompting the occupation administration to recommend alternative routes. The Combat Against Disinformation Center reported that the bridge became unusable after the drone strikes.

Explosions were also reported in occupied Crimea on the night of June 11, with social media users mentioning fires in Simferopol and Sevastopol and potential damage to bridges leading to the peninsula. Russian officials, including Vladimir Saldo, head of the occupation administration, reported further drone attacks on bridges connecting to Crimea on June 13, specifically targeting the bridge between Henichesk and the Arabat Spit.