Russians escalate activities in Crimea with increased reinforcements
The Russians have been intensifying their efforts to amass more equipment in Crimea. A group named Atesh, consisting of partisans, has noticed an increase in the invaders' movements. This time, they were able to track a large transport of the so-called "dragon's teeth". It has been confirmed that various types of missiles, early warning radars, and additional air defense systems have been regularly brought to the occupied peninsula and its periphery in the past weeks.
Atesh representatives reported on Telegram, "Our agents have spotted several KAMAZ trucks in Saki, loaded with so-called dragon's teeth. We trailed them and determined their course towards Evpatoria." These reports were also supported by photos confirming Russian movements.
"The Russian troops are dutifully preparing to fend off a potential assault by the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the Crimean Peninsula. In many cities, they are continuing to gather tremendous forces and equipment," members of Atesh added.
A few weeks ago, this same partisan movement documented Russian activity related to the transport of heavy equipment, including cranes and REM-KL vehicles, which are likely intended to bolster fortifications. These fortifications are often built using the recently spotted "dragon's teeth" - a method used during World War II as an anti-tank barrier and an obstruction for infantry units using ground equipment. This term originates from the characteristic pyramid shape of the concrete or reinforced concrete elements.
Natalia Humeniuk, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian troops in the south, voiced concerns in mid-October, stating that Russia had already stockpiled over 800 missiles in occupied Crimea. These include P-800 Oniks maneuvering missiles, nearly 30 feet in length, capable of hitting targets about 186 miles away, and missiles from the Kalibr system which consists of anti-ship maneuvering missiles, land-targeting maneuvering missiles, and rocket torpedoes aimed at eliminating submarines.
In November, S-400 air defense systems were moved from the Kaliningrad region, likely to Rostov-on-Don. The range of this weapon fluctuates depending on the type of ammunition used. Powerful 40N6E missiles weighing almost 4409 lbs can target objects up to 249 miles away. Additionally, the invaders have set up early warning radars, S-300/400 radars, and another short-range defense system, the Pantsir-S2, in Crimea.
Striving to maintain the most formidable air defense in this region, the Russians have caught the attention of Colonel Yuriy Ignat, the spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force Command. According to him, F-16 fighters could be a deciding factor in the recovery of Crimea. As per Western declarations, these fighters are expected to be deployed in Ukraine come spring.
