UKRAINE
Situationsbericht Tag 176
August 18, 2022 -
Russland hat Admiral Viktor Sokolow zum neuen Kommandanten der Schwarmeer Flotte und Chef des Militärs auf der Krim ernannt, nach einer Serie von Attacken auf militärische Einrichtungen auf der Krim.
Russian FSB claims to have broken up a 6-person Hizb ut-Tahrir Islamist cell in Crimea allegedly involved in “terrorist” activity and officials have accused Ukraine of co-ordinating with the terrorists in what appears to be an attempt to deflect calls to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Ukraine’s attempts to unsettle Russians in Crimea ramped up as President Zelenskiy warned them Crimea is “not a place for them” and suggested that the “absolute majority” had got the message after a record 38,000 cars crossed the bridge on August 16. A senior presidential advisor said the Kerch Bridge, Russia’s key military and civilian link to the mainland is illegal and should be “dismantled”.
In a sign of the growing co-operation between the two countries, China and Russia will be taking part in joint military exercises in the Far East, alongside other countries including India, Belarus, Mongolia and Tajikistan.