Russia uses at least five airfields in Crimea, two of them on minimum capacity - Ukrainian Navy

According to Pletenchuk, Russian aviation is using at least five airfields on the peninsula, although two of them no longer bear the load they did at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Equipment losses have led to a significant reduction in the activity at these facilities.

"The activities of these airfields have been minimized," Pletenchuk said.

He added that the Russian military could potentially use more airfields in Crimea, given the large number of such facilities on the peninsula.

However, for tactical reasons, they prefer to continue operating these specific airfields rather than relocating their aviation to the Russian mainland.

"They do not want to relocate their aviation to the mainland of the so-called Russia for tactical reasons, so they continue to use these airfields," he said.

Occupation of Crimea and its consequences

Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014 has been one of the most blatant events in modern European history. Since then, the peninsula has remained under Russian control, a move condemned by the majority of the world's countries.

A key aspect of Russian activity in Crimea is the strengthening of military infrastructure. Russia has significantly increased its military presence on the peninsula, deploying large forces, including the Black Sea Fleet.

The peninsula also regularly hosts large-scale exercises that demonstrate Russia’s military capabilities. The Kremlin also uses Crimea as a military base. The peninsula has become a platform that allows Russia to control the Black Sea and to launch drone and missile attacks on mainland Ukraine.

Recently, agents from the ATESH movement discovered an air defense base at Cape Fiolent, which protects Sevastopol.