Ukraine is striking Crimea hard with drones by sky and sea, challenging Russia's long-held control of the peninsula and upending daily life there, according to NPR.
Key facts
- Russia has maintained an iron grip on Crimea since seizing it from Ukraine in 2014.
- Ukraine is now hitting Crimea hard using drones by both air and sea.
- The strikes are upending daily life on the peninsula.
- Many Russian civilians travel to Crimea to enjoy its beaches.
Ukraine is intensifying its drone campaign against Crimea, striking the peninsula by both sky and sea in a challenge to Russia’s long-standing control there, according to NPR.
Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and has since maintained what NPR describes as an iron grip on the territory. In the years that followed, the peninsula became a destination where many Russian civilians travel to enjoy the beaches.
That sense of normalcy is now being disrupted. NPR reports that Ukraine’s drone strikes are hitting Crimea hard and upending daily life for those on the peninsula.
The use of drones by both air and sea reflects Ukraine’s approach to reaching targets across the peninsula, testing Russia’s ability to defend a territory it has held for more than a decade.
The developments mark a shift in the dynamic over Crimea, a region that has been central to the conflict between the two countries since 2014.
Why it matters
Crimea has been under Russian control since 2014 and holds strategic and symbolic importance in the conflict with Ukraine. Ukraine's ability to strike the peninsula by air and sea signals a challenge to Russia's grip and a disruption to civilian life there.
Frequently asked questions
When did Russia take control of Crimea?
According to NPR, Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and has maintained control since.
How is Ukraine striking Crimea?
NPR reports that Ukraine is hitting Crimea using drones by both sky and sea.
How are the strikes affecting Crimea?
NPR reports the drone strikes are hitting Crimea hard and upending daily life on the peninsula, where many Russian civilians go to enjoy the beaches.