(KERCH, CRIMEA) – Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, has apologised to Ukrainian civilians living under Russian occupation in Crimea for the disruption caused by ongoing military operations and has predicted the complete collapse of Russian logistics and air defences on the peninsula.
In a video address, Brovdi, known by the callsign “Magyar,” urged residents to store supplies and remain cautious as Ukrainian forces intensify their campaign to isolate Crimea. He expressed regret for the air raid warnings, bridge closures, power outages and stress that civilians are experiencing, but stated that the demilitarisation of the peninsula was necessary to expel Russian forces. Video of the address was released by the Unmanned Systems Forces.
The campaign to degrade Russian military capabilities in Crimea has been ongoing for months. Ukrainian forces first targeted the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which was forced to relocate from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. Subsequently, Ukrainian drone operators systematically destroyed Russian air defence systems and radar installations across the peninsula, with observers noting that any new system brought into Crimea was quickly eliminated by Ukrainian strikes.
The destruction of oil refineries has created a severe fuel crisis, with the Russian-installed occupation administration announcing on 21 June that gasoline sales to civilians and private companies would be suspended. Fuel is now reserved exclusively for state services and military forces. The fuel shortages have extended beyond Crimea, with more than 35 Russian regions, including Moscow and St Petersburg, experiencing similar limitations. The crisis has been compounded by electricity outages across the peninsula. Footage of the fuel depot and ferry strikes was released by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces.
Ukrainian forces have also targeted the Kerch Bridge and the surrounding infrastructure. Operations on both sides of the bridge have involved attacks on ferries transporting fuel and supplies to the peninsula, further isolating Crimea from Russian-controlled territories. The bridge, which was opened by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in 2018 as a symbol of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, has become a key target. Brovdi’s forces have conducted surveillance operations on both sides of the structure, suggesting that a major operation may be imminent.
The Kerch Bridge has been used by Russian forces for military logistics after Ukrainian strikes rendered alternative supply routes unusable. Ukrainian forces have destroyed approximately 70 per cent of Russian logistics infrastructure on the land bridge connecting occupied southern Ukraine to Crimea, including smaller bridges along the route. Footage of the strikes was released by Ukrainian military sources.
Brovdi’s comments have been interpreted by Ukrainian observers as an indication that the isolation of Crimea is entering a decisive phase. The strategy, which has involved the systematic destruction of the Black Sea Fleet, air defence systems, oil refineries and logistics networks, aims to make the peninsula untenable for Russian forces. The Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces have conducted operations on both sides of the Kerch Strait, demonstrating the reach of Ukrainian drones and naval assets.
The fuel crisis in Crimea has had a significant impact on the civilian population. Residents have reported long queues at petrol stations and panic buying. The suspension of fuel sales has also affected public transport and essential services. The Russian-installed authorities have urged calm, but the situation remains tense. Reports indicate that black market fuel prices have soared, with some residents paying the equivalent of $8.24 per gallon, compared with a United States national average of $3.20. The rouble has weakened, and the cost of living has risen sharply.
Ukrainian officials have stated that the strikes are legitimate military targets and are aimed at degrading Russia’s ability to wage war. The campaign has been welcomed by many Ukrainians living under occupation, who view the strikes as a sign of impending liberation. Brovdi acknowledged the hardships faced by civilians but stressed that the demilitarisation of Crimea was essential for Ukraine’s victory.
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