Russia’s defeat on Snake Island will slightly reduce the pressure on the Ukrainian coast, as there will be no Russian air defense systems and anti-ship missiles on the island. However, the retreat itself will not end the naval blockade,
KYIV. UkraineGate. 1st of July. 2022 | Society .
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The Russian occupiers withdrew from Snake Island on June 30 after a missile and artillery strike by Ukraine, which will to some extent ease the pressure off the Ukrainian coast. However, analysts say the retreat will not end the naval blockade, as Russian troops have access to ground-based anti-ship systems in Crimea and western Kherson Oblast, which can still target Ukrainian cargo. In addition, the occupiers could use the rest of the ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet to attack, the report said.
Russian “military bloggers,” ISW writes, have largely defended Russia’s decision to withdraw troops and equipment from the island, arguing that Russian forces give priority to “liberating Donbass.” Some noted that Russian forces did not have sufficient capabilities to destroy Ukrainian coastal troops. Others argued that the Russians would be more successful in striking the Ukrainians when they tried to deploy their own troops on the island.
Adhering to Kremlin propaganda, bloggers did not recognize the role of Ukrainian strikes on Zmiin in forcing Russian forces to retreat, ISW experts say.
Before
On June 30, the operational command “South” reported that at night the Russian occupiers hastily evacuated the remnants of their forces from Zmiiny and probably left the island. Later, the information about the withdrawal of Russian troops from Zmiiny was confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry, calling it a “step of good will.”
Leaving the island, the occupiers destroyed military equipment, documents and property.
Source: Ukrgate
