Ukraine strikes Russian-held Crimea, experts question Russia's eastern gains

Ukraine has intensified its drone and missile campaign against Russian-held Crimea, targeting crucial infrastructure across the peninsula in June 2026. Recent strikes have hit railway bridges, power plants, and fuel depots, aiming to sever Russian supply lines and isolate the region. These attacks have resulted in widespread power outages and fuel shortages in Crimea, leading Russian-installed authorities to implement restrictions on civilian activities and fuel sales. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the "huge stream" of Ukrainian drones and ordered measures to mitigate the consequences.

Concurrently, military experts are casting doubt on Russia's claims of significant territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. While Russia reports advances in areas like Kostyantynivka, analyses from organizations such as the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) characterize these as limited "infiltrations" rather than substantial, consolidated territorial control, often describing the progress as slow and grinding. Data from various sources indicate that Russia's overall territorial gains in eastern Ukraine remain marginal, with some reporting net losses for Russian forces in recent weeks.