19 December 2024
The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Continue to Target Gas Production Platforms Near Crimea
The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to strike Russian gas production platforms near Crimea, known as the “Boiko Towers.” The objective of these operations is to deprive the enemy of the ability to monitor the movement of Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea and to neutralize strategic sites that the occupiers use for reconnaissance and maritime control. As reported by the Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, in an interview with ArmiiaInform, these operations are planned in advance. They will continue until complete control over the maritime area is achieved.
“This is not a one-day operation, and it will continue. We cannot allow the enemy to have situational awareness at sea, nor can we allow them to monitor our civilian or military vessels and understand the general maritime situation. We will continue to work on such platforms,” emphasized Neizhpapa.
According to him, the strikes are carried out by maritime drones and other types of weaponry. The vice admiral also noted that Russian special forces remain stationed on the platforms. However, their capabilities are significantly limited since logistical support is carried out only via helicopter.
In addition to targeting gas production platforms, Ukraine is also continuing operations aimed at neutralizing the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which, according to Vice Admiral Neizhpapa, could become a decisive factor in the liberation of Crimea and southern Ukraine.
“If we are talking about the Russian Black Sea Fleet destruction, it will deliver a strategic blow to Russia and indeed have significant consequences for the course of the war. The recent events in Syria demonstrate that the enemy will behave with maximum caution. The fleet, which they withdrew to Novorossiysk, has become the only base close to the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, they are constantly expecting strikes from us,” Neizhpapa stated.
The vice admiral emphasized that the concentration of the Russian fleet in the port of Novorossiysk indicates a loss of confidence in its security in the Black Sea.
“The fleet they withdrew to Novorossiysk has become the only nearby base to the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, they are constantly expecting strikes from us,” Neizhpapa explained.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine regained control over the drilling platforms Petro Hodovalets, Ukraina, Tavryda, and Syvash. These facilities, seized by Russia in 2014, were used not only for gas extraction but also for military purposes.
During the operation to regain control of the platforms, Ukrainian special forces seized valuable trophies, including the Nevа radar station, which could track the movement of ships in the Black Sea, as well as a stockpile of helicopter munitions, namely unguided aviation rockets.
Operations targeting gas production platforms near Crimea, along with strikes against the Russian Black Sea Fleet, are part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing Ukraine’s control over the Black Sea. Ukrainian maritime drones and other types of weaponry have already forced Russian warships to retreat from Sevastopol and seek refuge in the port of Novorossiysk.
These actions are part of a larger strategy for the de-occupation of Crimea and southern Ukraine, which is already yielding significant results. Through operations in the Black Sea, Ukraine is denying the enemy control of maritime routes and inflicting substantial damage on the strategic assets of the occupying forces.