The North Crimean Canal: Why It Is Important for Crimea and Russia’s Logistics
The North Crimean Canal, which originates from the Dnipro River, provided up to 85% of the freshwater needs of the currently occupied Crimea until 2014.
After the annexation of the peninsula, Ukraine cut off the water supply, and after the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant was blown up in 2023, it became impossible to restore it.
In addition to water supply, the canal is of significant military and logistical importance. Road and rail crossings run along it, which Russian troops use to transport equipment, ammunition, fuel, and personnel between Crimea and the southern front.
In June, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out a series of strikes against transportation infrastructure in the area of the canal.
In particular, on June 23, the Special Operations Forces reported the complete destruction of a railway bridge near Rozdolne, which the occupiers had been using for military logistics. Following the initial strike, Ukrainian drones also struck repair equipment and the remains of the bridge.
Special Operations Forces released footage of the operation to destroy the railway bridge across the North Crimean Canal near the village of Rozdolne in the temporarily occupied Crimea.
As a reminder, the Armed Forces of Ukraine were able to completely halt the supply of food, fuel, and ammunition to Russian units on the Kinburn Spit.
