Ukraine intensifies pressure on Russia, targeting Crimea with new strategies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has authorized a 40-day "influence operation" by the country's security service (SBU) to pressure Russia into ending the ongoing conflict. Approved on June 25, 2026, this strategic initiative aims to intensify political, diplomatic, and military efforts against the aggressor state.

As part of this renewed offensive, Ukraine has significantly escalated its targeting of Russian-occupied Crimea. Recent strikes have focused on disrupting military infrastructure, logistics, and air defense systems across the peninsula, which Kyiv seeks to isolate and render unusable as a critical military hub. These actions have reportedly led to fuel shortages and power outages in the region.

Ukraine's objective is to weaken Russia's ability to sustain its war efforts and compel it towards a peaceful settlement. The campaign builds on previous successes in degrading Russian air defenses and supply lines in the region.