Ukrainian Forces Intensify Strikes on Russian Military Logistics

Ukrainian Forces Target Russian Military Logistics

As Ukrainian troops intensify their efforts to encircle a significant contingent of Russian soldiers trapped between a river in Russia’s Kursk Province and the Ukrainian border, Kyiv has escalated its offensive with a series of strategic strikes on critical infrastructure throughout Russia. These operations are aimed at undermining the Kremlin’s military capabilities in the ongoing conflict.

One notable operation involved a Ukrainian missile strike on the Russian port of Kavkaz, which resulted in a devastating fire after hitting a large cargo ferry filled with fuel on Thursday. This incident has been confirmed by both Russian and Ukrainian officials, as well as through videos shared on various social media platforms. Notably, Kavkaz serves as one of Russia’s most significant passenger ports and acts as the primary ferry terminal connecting the mainland with Crimea.

According to Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, “This ferry is a crucial component in the Russian military logistics chain, primarily for delivering fuel and lubricants to the occupying forces. Additionally, it has been used to transport weaponry.”

The assault on these transport hubs follows earlier strikes on the only bridge that connects Crimea to Russia across the Kerch Strait, which sustained damage and has compelled Moscow to rely more heavily on large ferries capable of transporting rail cars. This shift is particularly significant for supporting its occupation forces in Crimea, a territory that was annexed by Russia in 2014.

“The ferry sank, effectively blocking operations in this section of the port,” Mr. Pletenchuk elaborated. “Currently, they still have one platform available for loading rail cars onto ferries, but there are no ferries in service.”

Meanwhile, the RIA state news agency in Russia reported, citing emergency services, that the fire resulting from the attack had “practically” not impacted the port’s overall infrastructure. However, they acknowledged that the ferry struck in the attack was left half-submerged. At this time, it remains impossible to independently verify the full extent of the damage incurred.