Rattled Vladimir Putin has warning issued as Ukraine threatens prized Crimea conquest

A tense Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning, cautioning Ukraine and its supporters of impending "reprisals" while accusing them of scheming fresh assaults on Crimea.

Since Russia's unilateral annexation of the Black Sea peninsula in 2014, it has remained a focal point of contention between Moscow and Kyiv.

Volodymyr Zelensky committed early in Ukraine's conflict in 2022 that the war wouldn't be deemed conclusively ended until Crimea was reclaimed.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, alleged that the coveted Kerch Bridge, connecting Crimea to mainland Russia, is once again a target. She asserted that Western allies of Kyiv are aiding Ukraine in devising strategies to attack this crucial infrastructure.

Zakharova contended that these plans are being openly executed with boldness and direct support from the Western coalition. She pointed to the purported delivery of US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) long-range missiles and claimed that six such missiles were intercepted near the peninsula last week.

Russia has faced recurrent attacks in the region for years, particularly targeting its Black Sea Fleet, necessitating the relocation of a significant portion of its naval assets to mitigate further losses.

The Kerch Bridge, erected after the 2014 annexation, has also been subjected to multiple attacks. The initial strike in October 2022 led to the partial collapse of the road segment bound for Crimea, resulting in months-long traffic disruptions.

Two subsequent strikes in July 2023 further damaged the bridge, with one segment reportedly collapsing entirely, resulting in the tragic demise of two individuals.

Zakharova also addressed reports of an impending delivery of F-16 aircraft, suggesting their potential use in targeting the Crimean Bridge. She reiterated warnings to Washington, London, and Brussels, emphasizing that aggressive actions against Crimea would face resolute retaliation.

This cautionary message coincides with Russia's intensified efforts to advance in Eastern Ukraine, leveraging the delay in US aid delivery to seek significant gains over Kyiv.

With Russian forces holding a substantial advantage in manpower and weaponry, Ukraine and its allies are racing against time to deploy new military assistance and thwart further territorial encroachment.

Of immediate concern is the defense of Chasiv Yar, a strategically vital city in the eastern hilltops. Its capture would provide Russia with a launching pad for further offensives into the Donetsk region and disrupt crucial Ukrainian supply routes.

Chasiv Yar is currently besieged by Russian artillery, drones, and missiles, with the deployment of glide bombs adding to the onslaught.