To Cut Off Crimea, Ukraine Demolishes Bridges and Sinks Fuel-Carrying Vessels

Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges Discusses Ukraine's Crimea Strategy in Interview

According to ХВИЛЯ: In an interview published by The Sun on July 24, 2026, retired U.S. Lieutenant General Ben Hodges outlined Ukraine's approach to isolating Crimea and ultimately retaking it. Hodges stressed that before Crimea can be liberated, the peninsula must first be cut off and stripped of its military utility. According to him, Crimea should no longer serve as a command hub or supply nexus for Russian operations in southern Ukraine. This interview sheds light on Ukraine's long-term strategy to reclaim the Crimean Peninsula, which has been under Russian control since 2014.

As part of this strategy, Ukraine has been destroying all bridges connecting to the peninsula except for the Kerch (Crimean) Bridge. At the same time, it is actively sinking vessels transporting fuel to Crimea and has disabled the ferries that provided an alternative to the bridge. Russian military convoys moving from the Sea of Azov toward northern Crimea are repeatedly targeted. As a result, Russian forces no longer move fuel or ammunition across the Crimean Bridge.

Ukraine's Victory Condition and Strategic Approach

More than four years ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that victory in the war means a return to Ukraine's 1991 borders, including Crimea. Hodges noted that Ukraine continues to launch long-range precision strikes against Russia's oil and gas infrastructure, further isolating the peninsula. Russia's Black Sea Fleet, he said, no longer plays a significant role in this strategy. He also pointed out that Russian authorities now inspect all vessels leaving the Kerch Strait out of fear of an attack on the bridge. Ukraine's objective, Hodges added, is not to keep Russian President Vladimir Putin in power but to reclaim lost sovereign territory.

“Every Russian illegally present in Crimea must leave,” the general emphasized.

In Hodges's view, Ukraine now holds the advantage in the war. He believes a turning point has been reached, and Ukraine's strategic actions could lead to regaining control of Crimea.

“They no longer transport fuel or ammunition across that bridge,” the general concluded, underlining the importance of keeping up pressure on the occupied peninsula.

Hodges's remarks underscore the shifting tactical situation around Crimea and the broader dynamics of the conflict. Isolating Crimea as a strategic goal indicates Ukraine's effort to reduce Russian military activity in the region. This could significantly affect future combat operations and the overall trajectory of the war. Continued international support and adherence to the military strategy may ultimately determine Crimea's status.

As the situation in Crimea intensifies, it is important to understand the broader implications of the ongoing conflict. Recently, Putin publicly acknowledged the war, marking a significant moment in Russia's stance on the conflict. This admission may influence both military strategies and international responses to the crisis, further shaping the dynamics of Ukraine's efforts to reclaim Crimea.