The spokesman of the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk told this on the air of the national telethon.
He also confirmed that Crimea has become a major target for russian air defense.
Read more: russia Showed Hoverboard Kamikaze Drones in 2024, Now Reportedly Using Them at the Front
"Crimea is of symbolic and logistical importance to russia. Air defense density on the peninsula is higher than in many parts of russia," the spokesman noted.
Since the beginning of 2024, Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed a significant number of russian air defense systems as well as the Black Sea Fleet headquarters and other facilities.
"Air defense systems are produced in limited quantities. Due to sanctions and a shortage of microelectronics, russians have limited capacity to replenish air defense losses," Pletenchuk explained.
Despite the losses, russia continues to launch drones from the territory of Crimea. The key sites remain Cape Chauda, Pivkivka and the Kerch area.
"These are mobile systems that can be relocated, but for the most part, they use proven locations," the Navy spokesman added.
As Defense Express reported russians had replaced S-300 and S-400 air defense systems in the Far East with dummies.
Read more: Ukraine Strikes russian NPO Bazalt and Shcheglovsky Val: Manufacturer of UMPK Kits, Bakhcha and Berezhok Turrets
