In a significant development, Ukraine has captured oil rigs in the Black Sea, delivering another blow to Vladimir Putin's Russian military campaign. The Ukrainian State Border Service (DPSU) shared images of the operation to seize gas production platforms near Snake Island, a Ukrainian territory situated close to Romania's east coast. This victory further pressures Putin as Ukraine strengthens its grip on the region.
The DPSU announced on Telegram that special forces from the State Security Service, along with units from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, led the operation. They succeeded in reclaiming key gas production towers from Russian control.
These platforms, dubbed "sea fortresses," play a crucial role in securing Ukraine’s presence in the Black Sea. "Through titanic efforts," the DPSU noted, "we have taken control of strategically important objects, enabling us to manage large parts of the water area and enhance defense capabilities."
The gas platforms, known as the Boyko Towers, are located near Crimea. Russian forces initially seized them in 2014 during the annexation of Crimea. However, Ukraine successfully reclaimed them in September 2023, underscoring the ongoing struggle for control over critical energy infrastructure in the region.
Energy facilities have become central to the conflict. Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's power plants, and Kyiv has retaliated with strikes on Russian oil installations. One of the most high-profile energy-related locations, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, was taken by Russia after its 2022 invasion. Since then, it has been a focal point of skirmishes and rocket attacks.
In a recent incident, an employee of the Zaporizhzhia plant, Andrei Korotkiy, was killed in a car bomb attack. Russian authorities described Korotkiy’s assassination as a targeted strike. Ukrainian military intelligence released footage of the attack, branding Korotkiy a "war criminal" and collaborator.
They alleged that he had been informing Russian officials about pro-Ukrainian sympathizers within the area. "Every war criminal will be fairly punished," Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate stated, emphasizing its commitment to holding collaborators accountable for their actions in the ongoing conflict.
This latest Ukrainian advance is a strategic win that not only strengthens their position in the Black Sea but also delivers a significant blow to Russia’s efforts in the region.
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