On Monday, March 9, at around 12:50 p.m. local time, russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers carried out a rather unusual attack using Kh-22 cruise missiles.
The target of the strike was Snake (Zmiinyi) Island, which, thanks to a strategically planned operation in the summer of 2022, was not only liberated but also became a trap for russian forces, causing significant losses in helicopters, boats, air defense systems, radars, as well as personnel and officers.
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Snake Island continues to pose a major obstacle to the russians, as shown by their strike with Kh-22 missiles. For this strike, the enemy deployed several Tu-22M3 bombers from Olenya Air Base in the Murmansk region the day before. This is a major use of resources, especially given the alternative of strikes by tactical aircraft, such as Su-34 frontline bombers.
In particular, a few weeks ago, a story about the defenders of Snake Island was published. It is noted that the island has no strategically valuable targets, such as radar systems or other high-value military assets, that would warrant the use of these missiles.
However, one Ukrainian soldier says that the enemy regularly attacks the island with Shahed drones as well as missiles. It should be noted that the enemy usually attacks Snake Island using tactical aircraft.
Moreover, given its limited accuracy, the Kh-22 strike may not have been aimed at a specific target on the island, but at the island itself. It should be noted that the warhead of this missile weighs 960 kg, while the island itself measures just 600 by 600 meters.
In other words, Snake Island and its defenders have truly become a persistent problem for the enemy. As a result, russians are compelled to use long-range bombers, whose numbers have fallen significantly since Operation Spiderweb.
From the Defense Express side, we urges you to join a fundraising for what is already working: One United Fundraiser: Fundraising by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation for interceptor drones.
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