UK intel explains how Black Sea gas and oil platforms can be used in warfare

As tensions remain high in the Black Sea, skirmishes have taken place between maritime and air forces around strategically important gas and oil platforms between Crimea and Odesa.

The relevant statement was made by the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom on the social media platform X, referring to the latest Defence Intelligence update, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Last week, a Russian combat jet shot at a Ukrainian military small boat operating near a platform in the north-west of the sea.

The platforms are operated by Chornomornaftogaz, a company that was seized by the pro-Russian occupation authorities in Crimea during the 2014 annexation.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has struck several Russian-controlled platforms. Both Russia and Ukraine have also periodically occupied them with troops.

The platforms command valuable hydrocarbon resources. However, like Snake Island to the west, they can also be used as forward deployment bases, helicopter landing sites, and to position long-range missile systems, the UK intelligence noted.

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