If Russia bolsters its position on Serpent Island with strategic air and coastal defense cruise missiles, it could gain control and dominate the northwestern Black Sea, Defense Ministry intelligence analysts say.
Russia has repeatedly tried to strengthen its open garrison on Zmeiny Island.
However, Ukrainian troops successfully carried out strikes against Russian air defense and Bayraktar drone support vessels..
“Russian supply vessels have minimal protection in the western part of the Black Sea after the retreat of the Russian fleet to Crimea after the loss of Moskva,” British intelligence notes..
At the same time, Russia's current efforts to increase its forces on Zmeinoye create more opportunities for Ukraine to destroy Russian troops and military equipment..