The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has released previously classified footage of a successful operation to capture gas extraction platforms near Zmiinyi Island in the Black Sea. This strategic move not only allows Ukraine to monitor Russian activities and protect its coastline, but also has the potential to resume valuable gas extraction operations, which could greatly benefit the country’s economic recovery in the future.
According to a statement on Facebook by Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, a joint operation was carried out by special forces from the border guard service and Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. The footage shows the preparation and execution of the operation, which took place at night under the cover of darkness. Ukrainian special forces can be seen firing at the platforms from their vessels in the Black Sea.
The events depicted in the footage took place earlier this year, most likely during the summer, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda. Some of the facilities have been successfully captured and are now being used as “sea fortresses” by Ukrainian forces. This not only strengthens Ukraine’s defense in the Black Sea, but also allows them to control a significant portion of the water area.
In September of this year, reports circulated that the capture of Zmiinyi Island by Ukrainian forces would give them a foothold in the Black Sea. This move also provided a boost to the economy, as billions of dollars in grain exports were able to resume. However, Russian forces still hold several gas rigs east of the island and have deployed equipment there to monitor Ukrainian forces and track missiles and drones used by Kyiv to target the occupied Crimean peninsula.
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