After nightly fighting, Ukrainian troops have succeeded in landing on the Crimean peninsula.
A sting operation carried out after Ukrainian special forces blew up an advanced anti-aircraft system on the island.
– It is embarrassing for the Russians that you manage to knock out one of their most advanced air defense systems while being able to film the whole thing from the air, says Joakim Paasikivi, lieutenant colonel.
On Thursday, Ukraine celebrates its national day – and the celebration began with the country’s special forces successfully raising the Ukrainian flag on the Crimean peninsula. It is the first time since 2014 that Ukrainian troops have reached the site.
– When you see the film clips, it is a marine special unit specialized in carrying out operations in a marine environment. In other words, they are good swimmers and divers and they have suitable boats, says Joakim Paasikivi and continues:
– But if you look at the map and make a rough calculation, you will see that from the free Ukraine to this place in Crimea, it is 17-18 land miles, so you probably drove all night. There is Russian surveillance here, so it’s a risky business – then you do this pinprick and raise the flag on National Day.
Exploded anti-aircraft system
Since Russia took control of the Ukrainian Crimean peninsula, Russia has, among other things, deployed the advanced S-400 air defense system, with the capacity to deal with targets both in the air and at sea.
But on Thursday, Ukrainian special forces published drone footage showing how they manage to blow up the system. An operation that changes the conditions for advancing in and around the Black Sea.
– It is embarrassing for the Russians that you manage to knock out one of their most advanced air defense systems while being able to film it from the air. Here, from the Ukrainian side, with relatively small means, they have succeeded in destroying a very important and qualified target, says Joakim Paasikivi.
Ukraine’s ability to use a wide spectrum of strategic attacks, with different designs, is an important part of the country’s military capability.
– It would not surprise me if we see more attacks on the Crimean peninsula. What characterizes Ukraine is that they change methods. They’ve used boat drones, flying drones, long-range rockets – and now this type of needle stick with special bandages.
– So you use all your abilities and it’s a set to put pressure on the Russians.