Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed that a key highway supplying Crimea is now under full Russian control, while officials also claimed improved defenses have significantly reduced the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone attacks in the region. The briefing came as Kyiv expanded its long-range campaign, with Ukrainian commanders claiming fresh strikes on Russian shadow fleet vessels and energy infrastructure in occupied Crimea. Both sides continue to make competing battlefield claims that could not be independently verified. Is the battle for Crimea entering a decisive new phase?

Ukrainian drones hit Russian oil depots, killing seven. Recapturing Crimea by December 31, 2026 is now at 8.5% YES.

One furious Russian official raged this week about Ukrainians being worse than pirates