‘The mission has been in place since day one’: Ukraine will strike Crimean Bridge — long-range drone commander

“We can expect strikes on the bridge any day — this year, next year — it will happen. I assure you, you’ll see it,” Parkhanov said.

He emphasized that targeting the Crimean Bridge has been a standing military objective since the first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion. But to carry it out, Ukraine needs the right strike capabilities — and that includes more than just Ukraine’s long-range drones like the Liutyi kamikaze UAVs.

According to Parkhanov, before a successful attack can be launched, Ukrainian forces must first disable the radar systems and Russian air defenses currently targeting Ukrainian drones.

“We’re working on that,” he said. “Sooner or later, there will be strikes on the Crimean Bridge and other sites in Crimea. They’ve truly turned Crimea into an ‘unsinkable aircraft carrier.’ It’s the most heavily defended and militarized area.”

Last week, military analyst Michael Clarke wrote that Ukraine might be preparing a surprise strike — possibly targeting Crimea — before the onset of winter.